but the LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love. Psalm 147:11 ESV Steadfast love – Once again we discover David’s declaration that hesed is the fundamental description of what it means to have a relationship with YHWH. The ESV uses “steadfast love.” NASB attempts “lovingkindness.” NKJV…
O Israel, hope in the LORD; for with the LORD there is lovingkindness, and with Him is abundant redemption. Psalm 130:7 NASB Hope – How long will you hope? How long before you run out of patience with the Lord? How long before your once-exuberant expectation turns to disappointment, then discouragement, then anger? How long…
I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope. Psalm 130:5 ESV Hope – Psalm 130 is a cry to the Lord from the depths of despair. It’s not despair over the external circumstances of life. It’s despair over the chaos of disobedience, of sin at the center of who…
“Even if I thought there was hope for me, . . .” Ruth 1:12 JPS Hope – What is your definition of “hope”? Two questions might help you determine if your idea of hope comes from biblical sources or from the culture of Greek philosophy. The first question is this: “Is your idea of hope…
And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations; knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint . . . Romans 5:3-5 NASB Does not disappoint – Have you ever been disappointed? It would be hard to believe you were human if…
And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations; knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint . . . Romans 5:3-5 NASB Hope – Is your idea of hope based in Greek thought or Hebrew patterns? How would you know the…
Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength Isaiah 40:31 NASB Wait – The Hebrew root is qawah. It means “to wait, look for or hope with eager expectation.” Faith is often expressed in patient endurance confidently knowing that God will act. In fact, in our environment, learning to wait with expectation…
God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, . . . Hebrews 1:1-2a In these last days – It’s the eschaton! In case you’re not familiar with this word, eschaton means “the final…
Lord, all my desire is before You and my sighing is not hidden from You. Psalm 38:10 (Hebrew text – Hebrew Heart media translation) Desire – Did you think David uses the word ta’avati (“my desire”) to describe his spiritual longing for intimate relationship with God? Have you lifted this verse from its context in…
“You will be hated by everybody because of my name; but it is the person who remains faithful to the end who will be saved.” Matthew 10:22 Remains Faithful – There is one word significantly missing from contemporary Christian vocabulary. That word is perseverance. The Greek word, hupomeno, is used more than twenty times in…
