I grew up going to church three times a week and met some of my closest friends (even to this day!) in youth group. Most of my Facebook statuses in high school were inspirational Bible verses that I hoped would encourage my friends at my public high school who weren’t believers. I went to a Christian university for my undergraduate degree, where mandatory chapel was held twice a week, and every student was required to take six semesters worth of Bible classes. I interned at a local church and even earned a minor degree in the Bible. And then, I went to graduate divinity school.
But somewhere along the way, I stopped delighting in Scripture. I saw it as something to be studied, but not something to be taken to heart. I began to think of God as something to learn about rather than someone to know. To date, this was one of the most confusing times in my life so far.
After a time spent in this confusing season, I was given a special project at work; I was instructed to go through the entire book of Genesis, chapter by chapter, writing discussion questions along the way for kids aged eleven to fifteen.
I don’t know the last time you read through the book of Genesis (maybe in January when we read it together, as an SRT community), but there are some stories in that book that are, well, a little less than age-appropriate for young teens. As I was going through some of the trickier passages, the discussion point I kept coming back to was that God keeps His promises to His people. His people keep turning away from Him, not believing Him, disobeying Him and turning to other gods, but God is consistently faithful to His promises.
One of the passages that fell into this category was the story of Sarah and her pregnancy with Isaac. When God told her she would become pregnant in her old age, Sarah laughed at the very thought (Genesis 18:9–15). But God kept His promise to her, and she bore a son (Genesis 21:1–7). After reading and working through the rest of the book of Genesis, I went into my friend’s office exasperated and frustrated with myself because I couldn’t find anything else for the discussion questions. She encouraged me to keep at it and do my best, and reassured me that maybe it was okay if God keeping His promises was the main theme of the project.
Soon after completing the project, I realized that what had been frustrating me about the book of Genesis was exactly what I needed to hear and understand about God in a season of my own confusion and doubt: God keeps His promises to His people. He keeps His promises when your world seems to come crashing down. He keeps His promises when your best friend betrays you, when a dear family member falls ill, when the plans you had for your life have suddenly fallen to pieces around you. I know He does because I’ve seen it in my own life. His promises to His people are true. We can put our hope in Him to do so (Psalm 119:81). What a beautiful gift.
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65 thoughts on "I Put My Hope in Your Word"
You kept your promises then, and you’ll keep them now. Thank you Lord for always being the same faithful loving God.
I so needed this today❤️
I needed this today
God bless!!
❤️
So good to read this today ❤️
Definitely need this. I need to stay faithful and trust the plans God has for me
So needed this right now at this moment in my day!
Wow! So beautiful! The readings made my think about how we portray our faith to other believers! We say we believe the Word and hope in the Word but… What are our actions saying about it? Really convicting and really a learning spot for me!
I loved the point in the devotional about God being someone to “know” not just “studies”. I have fallen into that rut where I make time for “study” but struggle with the “knowing”. Reflecting on the Psalm, the author often talks about knowing God’s Word so he can delight in him. I want that.
As we’re gong through this I’m learning to empty myself of preconceived thoughts, biases etc… and rather pray and allow His word to penetrate my heart and rid me more of myself and know our Savior more. I’m seeing more and more how much religious pride has shaped me and how God alone is enough. I allowed the “church” to shape me but I recognize now more clearly that God needs to shape the church. We are fallible and Jesus Christ alone saves. We get the AMAZING blessing of reading His word and knowing Him more!!!
Every day I seek Him or at least I try to and it is wonderful to know that no matter what time of the day it may be He is ALWAYS there for every single one of us including me. ❤️
“I long for your salvation; I put my hope in your word.” The conviction of my heart this morning was the opposite. Lord, what am I truly longing for? Where am I putting my hope? Draw me to you in real relationship. Help me! Give me life! Thank you for your faithfulness even when I am faithless.
…finishing from my first line…I kept pressing the wrong button! God knows everything in my heart and mind. He knows what it takes to get ahold of me. He knows how to show His love and faithfulness. I need to turn to what I can trust in: HIM and HIS PROMISES!
I am tempted to be pessimistic and skeptical
I feel like it is so tempting for me to be pessimistic and skeptical like Sarah, especially with all that’s going on in the world and in our personal lives. But, just as we can’t rely on people or circumstances as our ultimate hope.
Amen
I’ve been so stuck on my bible studies that my relationship part has started to dim. I want to be able to delight in his word like I do when I am in the spirit. When He gives me life I willfully obey the decree He has spoken. I love you Father. You are promising me your love while I long for your salvation and put hope in your Word. Amen
God always keeps His promises, even when what He is promising seems impossible. Nothing is impossible with God
Amen!
The tension between what I want and trusting in the Lord’s promise can be such a battle. My boyfriend is in the hospital with a mental health crisis. I want so much for him to get well but I know I need to just trust in His plan. I just wish those two could be the same and then I feel badly about that too. Lord hear my prayer
He is with you. Praying for you and for your boyfriend. My brother went through a mental health crisis 4 years ago, it was one of the hardest times of my life. But God is faithful. He knows your heart.
Hi Michelle,
I’m so sorry to hear about this incredibly painful and scary moment. I am a psychologist who works with folks struggling just like your boyfriend is right now. So know, he may very well be with someone God has meant for him to meet for a very long time.
I also hear you about the pain of sitting with wanting something and knowing that it is not a guarantee that God will give it to you. I don’t think that God has a problem with our longings (it’s not unfaithful for us to want things). I don’t even think God has a problem with us being disappointed when things don’t work out like we hoped they would (look at all the times David questions God’s timing in the psalm). But I DO think it’s really painful for us! We both have the disappointment of not getting what we want and the fear that God didn’t come through for us.
It’s weird, but I can honestly tell you that it’s in those very moments that I have actually gotten the most intimate with God. In my confusion and despair and anger and grief. In those moments is when I have felt God the most intensely. I hated the disappointment but I wouldn’t trade the intimacy with God for anything.
I will be praying for you this morning. And I know this one could work out for you exactly as you hope. But don’t be ashamed if it doesn’t, lean in and see what God has for you there.
God’s promises will be fulfilled. They are ONLY contingent upon HIS character, not mine. I can put my Hope in him because HE is faithful and good, even when I’m not!
Love this! ❤️
This is such a beautiful devotions and passage, just what I needed to hear. I will keep clinging to His promises daily even when things look grim. ❤️ Happy Friday everyone!
Keeping a promise can be hard at times but for God nothing is hard or impossible. I know how He is with me no matter the circumstances. In my 61 years of life, I have lost a son, a niece, both of my parents, gone through a divorce and helped several family members with addictions. Each time I turn to God and He was there for me. As long as I believe He will be there. Several times I asked why or said but God, but I have never stopped believing. Lord God help those who waiver in unbelief. Help me to remain strong in my faith and know that Your Promise is to be with me and all of us through the end of time. Amen
Thank you, Ellen for a great devotional today! I am like you, youth group, Christian school undergrad, and divinity school now. I have noticed that the Bible has become a thing to study, not a thing to love and take to heart.
Would you all pray that I not only cognitively memorize scripture but that through my discipline, the Lord would soften my heart and to fall in love with his word again?
I have started by writing out Psalm 119 with the study and my goodness how convicting and enriching it has been so far.
Amen…powerful
I want to add about some thing I said earlier. I knew I had to forgive this young lady. And I’m going to say this boldly. I knew I had to forgive her even though she did not tell the truth about how the accident happened. It was so hard. But after posting last week, and all of your comments, I stepped out in faith, and God provided!  YES, God keeps His promises. He is Jehovah Jireh!!
I needed the precious reminder that God keeps His promises! That His promises are for my good & His glory (Romans 8:28), and I can trust Him. Every time.
Hello all! Thank you for all you share everyday. I’m always so encouraged and learn so much by what you share. I also pray for so many of you as you share and I hope you are all doing well. I wanted to ask for your prayers, as I have an interview today at 9:00 and Monday at 9:00 for a special education internship teaching position. Please pray I feel God’s peace, do well and get the position.
Praying for you now, Candi!
Thank you girls for praying! It went ok. I think I answered all the questions well, but I felt so nervous and stuttered alot :(. I’m praying God will help them forget that and see me favorably. Part 2 is Monday :). Thanks again!!
Yesterday afternoon, I hurt my back. I have never done that before. I knew as I went to bed that the morning would probably find it worse, not better. I prayed, asking God to bring healing. Well, I slept pretty soundly all night long, and before I got out of bed I thanked the Lord for that. But once up, I knew it was going to be a long series of days before it would feel normal again. No complaining, just a sort of resignation. As I read, “I know,
Lord that your judgments are just and that you have afflicted me fairly,” I honestly couldn’t help but laugh with a joy that came from deep inside, truly a healing balm over my soul (and my back). “Change your focus, child” is what came to mind!! Light and momentary affliction (2 Cor 4:17) and
nothing more!! God knows me so well!!
MARI V, that is what I’m talking about!
God,GOD IS SO SO ABSOLUTELY GOOD…
I am glad He has delivered His promise..
Enjoy your gift!
❤
Aw…. thank you Tina!! Your testimony inspired me and I believed OUR GOD would provide!
Tina, that was exactly what I needed to hear today. Thank you for being obedient and sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading! ♥️
In Psalm 119:73-80 the psalmist seems to continue to be encouraged by the Lord’s faithfulness and commands. In vs 81-88 there is a change in tone. The psalmist has grown weary in his waiting and is crying out to the Lord for help and deliverance.
As it says in Hebrews, the Lord knows our thoughts anyway, there is no use hiding. I love how the psalmist feels confident in his relationship with the Lord to ask the hard questions, to share his pain. God is not offended by this, He can take our raw sufferings and emotions. The psalmist has not lost faith in who God is, he is feeling the weight of being a sinner in a sinful world.
But as I am reminded in Genesis- God has an appointed time for everything. He came to Sarah at what seemed to be an impossible time. He will rescue the psalmist at the appointed time. He will deliver me at the appointed time as well.
May I rest in the waiting, knowing the appointed time is coming.
God made me. He formed me. I am intimately known by him. He created all of me. He created my mind. He can give me understanding so that I can walk in his word. Don’t read Psalm 119 as a list of commands regarding what we should do. However, read it as a response to what God has done. I have no comfort without God faithful love, no life without his compassion, no learning without his understanding. People rejoice in God for what he has done for me. The arrogant are put to shame because of slandering what God has done for me. How blessed we are for being on this side of the cross. We have seen the salvation of God! Yet, we can cry out like the Psalmist, “How long, oh Lord!“ Let your kingdom come! God gives life and faithful love. I respond in obedience to his decrees.
Sammi Lindauer, I tried to reply directly to you but it doesn’t allow me.
So hopefully you get this message. I saw that quite possibly your honeymoon is cancelled because of your passport. If that’s the case, I offer the two of you a stay at our home in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
Look me up on Facebook or Instagram. Buffy Rennie
❤️❤️❤️
Buffy, that is absolutely precious of you to offer her!! I’m crying at your tenderness! My husband is a pastor and I’m a teacher at a Title-1 school, and sometimes vacations are difficult financially. Vacations are such an “extra”, but also needed! Thank you for offering such a gift to her! It’s so sweet to see God’s people caring for one another in such unique ways!
I forgive her! Those were my words exactly a week ago today!
I forgive the young woman who hit my car, totally it, and leaving me without a car for nearly 6 weeks. I posted something here on SRT and I received some really good responses and prayer and stories of God‘s faithfulness.. YES GOD IS FAITHFUL! I’ve never stopped believing this, however in my human nature I was so hurt. Thank you to my SRT sisters who faithfully prayed and encouraged me last week. I wish I could show you a picture. With some savings I had, my mom, and my siblings God provided $5000 for down payment for a car. And my God took even further. And I say this all choked up. On Tuesday God gave me the exact car model and make that I wanted. Even the color. It may not be 2020 which in reality I could never afford but a 2016 and my monthly payments will not be stressful. Yes God is good and faithful and He hears our prayers and He meets our needs in his perfect timing.
So glad to hear this! Glad for you and for God’s provision!
I’m a teacher, and there is so much unknown and so many questions. We are starting back virtual and 3 weeks later than the original start date. I’ve really been struggling with all of this and frustrated and sad. But I know that God is good and faithful. He will keep me grounded. He will remain faithful. My hope can be found in Him.
Thank you for molding our future generations… I’m a working mom and having to host school virtually is overwhelming! I feel terrible for my babies who are glued to a computer screen all day
They miss their school and teachers and friends … fear they will never see them again, because in their little minds everything is eternal. I just praise and recognize your commitment and simply Thank you Thank You Thank You … blessings .. may God continue to guide you and give me patience – He is good and faithful, let us remain hopeful… he knows
vs 81, I long for your salvation. I put my hope in your word.” If my hope is in His word, my hope is in the Word – Jesus. God kept His promise and sent His one and only Son to redeem us. He is faithful and if we can dwell there fear falls away, focus on the faithful One and joy is our song. Tina reminding ourselves and others of His promises what joy and hope. One promise that has chased away my fears when they have tried to lie to me is He will never leave or forsake me. At times in my life when life has been crushing this repeated in my heart has reminded me I am never alone, no matter what, He is here. And I can know His love and faithfulnessnever abandons me. Share the promises that carry you through. Hugs Sisters and love.
I needed to hear this today. I am a COVID bride. My wedding is set for 10-10-2020 (we love our date!!) and while our plans are set for now, the unknown is frustrating. I also discovered last night my passport is expired and highly unlikely to be renewed by October (goodbye honeymoon). God keeps His promises. While I want all of the wedding glitz and traditional order all my friends got to have, I have my Mitchell. That’s all that matters. God keeps His promises. We are stationed where we are, not stuck.
Buffy Rennie tried to reply to you but it wouldn’t let her. She has a honey moon offer for you. ❤️ she asks that you look her up on Facebook. I thought I would help in case u didn’t see her post to you!
This is much needed right now and the state of our country. It’s crazy how families can turn against each other because of differing views but one thing that is true is Gods word and it’s unfailing truth. God knew these things were coming and whether these are the beginning of the end of times or not, it’s a bit more comforting to know Gods got this.
I will place my hope in the Word.
It is my lamp.
God is the Word & whatever is spoken, will be.
God is a Promise Keeper & a Way Maker.
God’s timing is always perfect.
He works for the good of his people.
When trouble arises remember where you have placed your hope. Anchor to it. The seas may rage but the rock on which you have placed your hope will remain – unchanged. Your situation I’ll change. God will always remain the same. Hallelujah!
ChurchMouse really nailed it for me. The world IS collectively screaming!! So much angst, judgement, all driven by fear it seems to me. Like when an injured animal tries to bite it’s rescuer….we are lost and lash out. Like so many of you, my worries (yes, I know…) range from my grandchildren and what will school look like, to my work mates, some of whom cannot focus on anything but doom, to my mother in assisted living, where all are confined to their rooms due to a virus case. The director there is doing a wonderful job under terrible circumstances but is under attack from the families, due to fear I expect. And then my mom said “we are dying from loneliness anyway, so if we get this virus and die, what is different?” Yes Lord, “help me!”
Mae I pray for your mom. Her comment about dying from loneliness anyway broke my heart. ❤️
I really needed this devotional this morning. I went to bed, and also woke up, in a sour mood, wrestling with God about some Big Questions. So encouraging to remember that He is faithful in the middle of those questions, and He will be with me as I work out my salvation with fear and trembling.
As I was reading Blessed Beth’s post, I was reminded of the sermon I heard on Sunday. The church was doing a series called, Unmasked. The pastor was saying that’s how we need to be as a church. Let’s be honest and real. Life isn’t perfect and people have stories and scars. We were told scars are welcome at our church. We can be real and ask for help. We can pray for each other. We were reminded of the church in Acts. They did life together, and helped meet each other’s needs. I know that I could use prayers and the help of others at times. I’ve been prideful and don’t like to ask for help. May God forgive me. His Word says pride comes before a fall. Also, God resists the proud. I also need to get honest with God. How many general prays have I said instead of praying specially? I know that He knows everything. I am realizing I should come before Him and confess and ask for His help and deliverance for those specific sins, thoughts, or situations. I know this may seem so obvious to some of you, but I am just getting this.
On another note, when I read Hebrews 4:12 as referenced above, I think of things I learned about that Scripture from a book for a class from church. The author reminds us that God’s Word is living, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword. He says that the Word is piercing even to the division of soul and spirit. He writes that there is a difference between soul and spirit- just as there is a difference between bones and the marrow that is in the bones. He said that for hundreds of years the medical profession didn’t know this truth. Verse 12 goes on to say that God also knows the difference between your thoughts and the intentions of your heart. He asks if we ever had a thought that we were instantly ashamed of? He again states that the Bible says our Heavenly Father knows the difference between your thoughts and your intentions. He goes into more detail later, but tells us to rejoice that God knows the difference. What an awesome, amazing God He is!
Sorry if my sharing is all over the place.
Thank you for the comments, prayers, and encouragement that you share here. Have a great day!
With all that is going on what a blessing it is to know our God is with us and we can have peace in our hearts knowing we can go into His presence 24/7 no masks, no distancing, no rejection, and we can rest or request, no questions asked, and just be.
❤️
This is the season where we seem consumed with case numbers, hospitalizations and deaths. Conversations center on social distancing, face coverings, businesses and schools opening or not. We look for informed reporting and often get more opinions than facts. Civil unrest emerges from personal unrest, injustice and uncertainty. It’s as if the world is collectively screaming. Like the psalmist searching for understanding, we too long for comfort and relief. We have grown weary. We pray compassion and love will be seen through us as believers. We strive to react to this unprecedented time in a manner which glorifies God and reflects the hope we have in Him. We meditate on the Word. We search for its promises. We look for answers to claim. We ask “How many days must your servant wait?” We take deep breaths and resolve to hold on and trust. To whom else can we turn? The psalmist cries out “Help me!” We cry the same.
♥️
Amen, Churchmouse…these are my reflections, meditations and prayers, as well.
After I read the devotion, I was led not to write, but to act on, what I know to be the truth of Gods promises, to share, remind and call to mind in others.
To a friend who recently lost her Papa, I reminded of His promise to be near the broken hearted..
To my friend whose husband, is battling cancer, that God promises that He walks with them each step, putting the right people in place in this season..
To my newly weds, who, though deeply love each other, but… I reminded them of His promise to be the third strand in their cord, He will be their guide..
To my dear friend who celebrates her birthday today, a reminder of the promise that, she is an absolute child of God, created for His pleasure and in His image, chosen and that today is going to be awesome..because today is a day the Lord has made..
A busy morning.. and all this before 9am.
And to you my sisters in Christ, His promise that He fully knows you, and He absolutely loves and delights in you..❤
Happy Friday, wrapped is the promise of His goodness, grace and love…❤
Yes, Tina! Respond with Truth! Point your friends to His promises. There alone is comfort and hope. What a great friend you are to them, and to us who gather here!
Amen, ESTHER.
AMEN!
Blessings!
All God’s promises are yes and amen!