Finding Hope and Strength

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When we are in need, we can feel…

  • insecure
  • inadequate
  • uncertain
  • fearful
  • alone

These feelings can cause us to…

  • hesitate
  • question
  • pull back
  • withdraw
  • isolate

In our verses this week we see the psalmist crying out to the Lord in a time of need.

With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O Lord!
I will keep your statutes.
I call to you; save me,
that I may observe your testimonies.
I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I hope in your words.
My eyes are awake before the watches of the night,
that I may meditate on your promise. 

—Psalm 119:145-148

Can you relate to a need so great in your life that you find yourself rising before dawn to cry out for help? Have you experienced those sleepless nights where your eyes are awake before the watches of the night?

But notice where the psalmist finds hope and strength? “I hope in your words…that I may meditate on your promise.”

And in the midst of a rollercoaster of emotions and sleepless nights, the psalmist reminds himself of truth. His faith triumphs over his fears and feelings. He reminds himself that God is near and His Word is truth!

But you are near, O Lord, and all your commandments are true. —Psalm 119:151

One of my favorite New Testament verses that speaks of drawing near to God in a time of need is Hebrews 4:16.

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. —Hebrews 4:16

God calls us in our time of need to draw near—to come close and lean into His presence where we find mercy and grace.

God calls us to come confidently. Confidence in this passage is a word that translates free and fearless confidence and a cheerful courage.

We can draw near and find help. The word for find help means to aid, help and secure. In the original language of the New Testament, the word picture for finding help is a nautical term referring to the frapping of a vessel. Frapping means to bind with a view to secure and strengthen.

We can confidently run toward—moving in the confidence and security of who Christ Jesus is and who we are in Him. Our help and hope is found in binding ourselves to the Lord where we find security and strength.

Look at the verses that precede Hebrews 4:16:

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. —Hebrews 4:14-15

When you are tempted to flee or withdraw, call out to the Lord and ask Him to draw you close. Embrace the confidence, security, peace and joy found in Jesus’ presence.

This Week’s Journaling Assignment: Psalm 119:161-168 (Sin and Shin) and Psalm 119:169-176 (Taw)

Rejoicing in Him,
Susan

Find more devotions and Bible studies from Susan on her blog, susancady.com.

©2017 Susan Cady, susancady.com

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