For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
Romans 15:4 NIV
The Bible is probably the most published book these days. It has come out in various versions and reading modes. Its words confront us daily, and it charges us to look at ourselves and line up our lives with what it says. And here is the clincher: EVERYTHING it says speaks. That is the verdict of the One who inspired its contents, and His view is important here.
Even the love songs of Songs of Solomon speak. The accounts of wars fought by the kings of Judah and Israel also speak. The work of the Holy Spirit also speaks. Creation: trees, hills, mountains, rivers, oceans and the firmament all speak. The question then is: am I listening? Do I pause long enough to hear what the writer of these words has to say? Am I always in a hurry to make ends meet, that I ignore the One who knows the beginning and the end of all life?
And the purpose of these words is to teach me God's mind. God wants to build endurance and encourage my heart to hold on to God through all my experiences. Nowhere does God ever promise that life will be all rosy and easy; His promise is that He will be with me. His presence does not stop storms, but He stops the storms from sinking my boat. The wind will blow and beat against my house, but He promises that as long as I have Him, I am safe.
What is the use of endurance and encouragement if there was no pain? What is the use of endurance and encouragement if there was also no end to the pain? The reason why both endurance and encouragement are important here is because the lessons learnt here keep me grounded, knowing that God is faithful, He will not leave me, and He will bring me into the fulfillment of His purpose. That is the basis of hope: I keep my eye on the eternal. Things may be rough now but it will not end there. I know from God's Word that there is a future, a hope and an expected end. No matter what then happens in the present, that future keeps my heart joyful.
The Word of God is the key to all of these things. Without God, there is no hope. Outside of God, there is no hope. Does the Word of God have pride of place in your life? Is He my all, or just one of my many options? Remember, God's Word cannot be broken: whatever He promises is bankable and trustworthy. His time of favour is here.
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