I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more. – Psalm 71:14
What does it take to “hope continually” as today’s verse proclaims? The psalmist did not have sunshine and roses every day of his life. In fact, if you read the entire Psalm, he mentions enemies who are out to kill him, the need for rescue and deliverance, people mocking him and giving up any hope for him, weakness in old age, troubles, and calamities. Yet the psalmist does six things to keep his hope up.
First, he remembers who the Lord is. Jesus instructed this in “the Lord’s Prayer,” acknowledging God’s holiness (Matthew 6:9). Second, he remembers what God has done for him in the past. Acknowledging God’s history of intervention builds faith. Third, he prays for solutions to His problems. James said, “You do not have, because you do not ask” (James 4:2). Fourth, he trusts that God will answer his prayers. Also in James, doubt causes you to be tossed about like the waves in the sea (James 1: 6). Fifth, he teaches others about God. Most teachers attest that they learn much more than their students. Sixth, he praises God with singing and instruments. God is not only worthy of praise, He inhabits the praise of His people. So worshipping Him strengthens the worshipper.
You can fan the flames of hope by doing these things as well. Meditate on God’s character. Recall and thank Him for what He has done in the past. Pray for the solutions to your problems and for those of the United States. Trust Him to answer your prayers. Tell others about God. Praise Him with singing and music. These are ways to keep your hope alive through thick and thin.
Today’s Verse: Psalm 71:14
But I will hope continually
and will praise you yet more and more.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 1 Peter 3:8-17
8 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. 10 For
“Whoever desires to love life
and see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from speaking deceit;
11 let him turn away from evil and do good;
let him seek peace and pursue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and his ears are open to their prayer.
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
