Psalm 31:24
“Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.”
“I hope he chooses me! I hope he chooses me!” Those were the words that would race through my mind as sides were being chosen for some game we played as kids. Suffice it to say, I was usually one of the last to be called — more like a booby-prize than a coveted reward.
That concept of the word “hope” seems to be all too common. It is thought of as wishing for something that possibly could happen, but probably will not happen. That is just the reality of life (at least it was in my early years).
Let me correct that idea for us once and for all. The Hebrew word for “hope” as used in today’s scripture is yachal. It carries with it the meaning of expectation. Do you hear that? It is waiting for something the Lord has prepared especially for us!
Please read that last sentence over one more time. It is waiting for something the Lord has prepared especially for us! It is not what we desire for ourselves, but what God wants to do in and through us. I think the greatest joy in life is to be used of God.
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – Pastor Cecil