Hope and Trust
(NRSV) Ps 33:18 Truly the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him,
on those who hope in his steadfast love,
19 to deliver their soul from death,
and to keep them alive in famine.
20 Our soul waits for the LORD;
he is our help and shield.
21 Our heart is glad in him,
because we trust in his holy name.
22 Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us,
even as we hope in you.
There’s a saying in Arkansas concerning man-made plans—we’ll be there, Lord willing and the creek don’t rise. My brother and his family spent ten hours driving to Florida, only to be turned back after two days due to a late season hurricane. When our plans are thwarted, we may suffer a momentary disappointment, but as verse 21 says, “ Our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name.”
Have you noticed how closely aligned trusting is with waiting? “Trust” at one time was an integral part of our lexicon. We would say, “ I trust you are feeling well,” or “I trust you had safe travels.” Today we tend to use the word “hope” to express our thoughts and well wishes.
Today’s scripture includes both trust and hope. I am reminded of Elisha asking God for a double portion as Elijah was taken away, and God affirmed it was so by opening up the sea. Sometimes we have to walk through the troubles ahead of us, knowing God walks by our side, and at other times the sea opens up and we walk through on dry land.
May we remember that, regardless of the circumstances, God’s love is steadfast and true. I remember preaching a sermon on the steadfast love of God, and I ended with the statement, “We can never outrun the love of God, or outsin the mercy of God.” David knew this to be true, and I trust you will know it, too.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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