Week 21/2024
A word fitly spoken is like APPLES OF GOLD in a setting of silver [Proverbs 25v11]
There are few more impressive sights in nature than watching eagles soaring in the sky using the air currents to overcome the downward pull of gravity. The prophet Isaiah compared this to the way we can rise above disappointment, distress, and despair. Chapter 40v31 reads: “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles”. We associate the word hope as a desire or dream, but the Bible’s meaning is a confident expectation. When we hope in the Lord, we have the confidence that He will lift us up because He is all powerful and He cares for us. “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” [Romans 8v28].
All of us know how difficult it is to stay positive when we are being crushed by circumstances – unfortunately some of us turn to alcohol and drug abuse or anti-social behaviour. We even take out our frustrations on those around us, sometimes in a violent way, but there is another way which is: to turn to the Lord and “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” [1 Peter 5v7]. If we do so, we will rise above our circumstances with a new perception of life, a freedom that passes understanding and a supernatural renewing of our spiritual, mental and emotional well-being. Friends – you can either put your hope in yourself and other people or put your hope in the Lord and soar like an eagle and be a person that experiences. Isaiah 61v2 says: “a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendour”. May this encourage you to put your hope in the Lord.
God Bless
Graeme Greenwood