Caused to Hope

I think that it is amazing how God brings certain scriptures into our paths just at the right time.

Recently I have been reading through a book by Jay Adams called, Counsel from Psalm 119. This book breaks down each verse of Psalm 119, and explains its application from a counseling perspective. I haven't been reading this book very consistently, so it is taking me a little longer to get through it than I had originally thought.

But as I continue reading, it seems that I am getting through it at exactly the right pace. The pace that God is wanting to use these verses in my life.

For example, I read this verse the other day:

Remember Your Word to Your servant
Upon which You have caused me to hope.
(Psalm 119:49 -- Translation by Jay E. Adams)

This is one of the few passages that I memorized in highschool that I actually still remember. I had to memorize one section of Psalm 119 for a Bible class, and this is the section that I had picked out. I can remember that in order to memorize it, I came up with a little melody to go with it, and I can still remember that.

Anyway, the same day that I read this verse in the morning, my car broke down. Now, I had just replaced the battery the previous day, so it seems like that wasn't the only problem. The alternator had also gone bad.

If you know me at all, you would know that me and alternators go way back. Every car that I have owned, since I have been married has needed at least one alternator replacement. It is almost humorous how many times I have had to do this. almost...

So I am standing in the rain on a Saturday, trying to take out the old alternator from my beat-up old car, that doesn't have air, that doesn't have a muffler, that doesn't have a radio that works, that burns oil... and the thermostat on the van doesn't work... and the doctor bills are coming up... and I have been on the cell phone for more hours than I would like to think about, with my internet service provider, trying to convince them that the internet is going out... and we can't use our home phone because it is based on the previously mentioned faulty internet... and I need to go out on a date with my wife, but I can't afford it... and the kids aren't behaving like I would want them to... and... and... and...

Then God begins to bring His words to my mind:

"I will meet all of your needs according to My riches in Glory."

"I will not allow you to be tempted or tried above what you are able to handle."

"I will never leave you or forsake you."

"I will do you good. I will do you good and not harm all of your days."

"I will..."

"I will..."

"I will..."

Then he causes me to hope, by bringing to remembrance His words and His promises. And my hope is set on Him. He won't tell me how, He won't tell me why, but he promises His loving kindnesses all of my days.

There are so many things that we can set our hope on. And so many of those things are empty and worthless. Jesus is the only one worthy of our hope.

If you lack hope, maybe it is because you have not spent that time in the word for Him to call it to remembrance.

Check out the book,

Counsel from Psalm 119
by Jay E. Adams