The Christian’s Hope

Hope thou in God ().

Hope is an essential. More so in seasons of darkness, depression, weakness.

I. The Thing That Is Here Urged—“Hope.”

That is, expect all needful future good of every kind. Both in religious work and enjoyment. There is no limit to hope.

II. The Object of Hope Is Presented—“in God.”

Not in self, not in men, but in God. He is the “God of hope.” Christ, the Son, who is our hope. The Holy Spirit is the inspirer and sustainer of hope.

III. What Are Some of the Various Phases of Hope?

Similitudes are employed. “Anchor of the soul,” in storms and perils. “Light of the soul,” in darkness.

IV. Consider Some of the Many Reasons for This Hope:

A. God’s ability and all-sufficiency.

B. His willingness to do all we need.

C. His changeless love—a great assurance and hope.

D. His precious promises—many, ample, sure. This hope in God is an imperative, glorious privilege, and an unspeakable duty and joy. “Hope thou in God.”

Selected

We are not ashamed of the ground of our hope. Our hope rests upon the solemn promises of God, which He made to us by His prophets and apostles, and confirmed in the person and work of His dear Son. Inasmuch as Jesus Christ died and rose from the dead, we who are one with Him by faith are sure that we shall rise again from the dead and live with Him. The fact of Christ’s resurrection is the assurance of our resurrection, and His entrance into glory is the pledge of our glorification because we are made one with Him by the purpose and grace of God. As we fell in Adam by virtue of our being in him, so we rise and reign with Jesus because we are in Him. God is not the God of the dead, but of the living; yet is He the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, and therefore these men are yet alive. Even thus do we believe concerning all who die in the faith that they have not ceased to be, but they all live to Him.

—Spurgeon

Al Bryant, Sermon Outlines on the Book of Psalms (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel, 1997), 32.