Untitled Sermon (12)

My hope

In Psalm 71:5, David said, “For thou art my hope, O Lord God; Thou art my trust from my youth.”

We are living in an age which some have referred to as the, “The Great Unraveling.” The term was coined by columnist, Paul Krugman, and refers particularly to economics. However, we might export the same paradigm into other facets of modern life. In politics, we might say there is a “Great Schism.” In human sexuality, we might say that there has come a “Great Confusion.” Of music and art, we might say that we are living in age of “Great Devolution.” The Bible even speaks of a “Great Delusion” which soon will come. Yet, of language, we might suggest that we are living in the days of the “Great Redefining.”

Terms which historically meant one thing have taken on entirely new meanings. Words like “democracy,” “racism,” “sexual preference,” “gay,” or “equality” are the language of the weaponized left. Tread lightly when using— and know why you’ve said them.

However, that which is true in the secular life is also true in the spiritual life. Take the word hope. One former President wrote of hope in his book The Audacity of Hope. When rooting for the best in life, “we hope so.” We “hope against all hope,” in a modern way of clinging to the last vestiges of victory, when defeat seems imminent.

Yet, God did not give us this word as a last knot on the rope of despair. The Old Testament word means, “expectation; optimistic outlook.” The New Testament word, elpis, suggests the same idea. The Christian lives in expectation and has a settled confidence. Thus, he can say, “My hope is going anywhere! I have a blessed and eternal and living hope!”

The reason the definition of hope has changed is because the focus of our hope has changed. If our hope is objective, centered on Christ, we will what the Bible promises. However, if our hope is found in anyone or anything less than Christ, we will always be disappointed.

No wonder the songwriter stated,

My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus blood and righteousness

I dare not trust the sweetest frame

But wholly lean on Jesus’ name

On Christ the solid rock I stand

All other ground is sinking sand

May you come to say and believe as David, “Thou art my hope, O Lord God,” and may we say to those of the “Great Defining,” “You can’t have my word! My hope is in Jesus.” Selah!