STEADFAST HOPE – by Raphael ben Levi
“My soul, why are you so downcast? Why are you groaning inside me? Hope in God, since I will praise him again for being my Saviour and God” (Ps.42:6)
God gave the Israelites the Torah in the wilderness, a fact which has fascinated Jewish sages. Some suggest this was to illustrate that God’s Word alone fills empty lives and transforms the barrenness within us into lush pastures.
Why was the psalmist downcast? According to Rashi this was because of his longing to regain how things used to be over the course of time – the ‘good old days’ long gone.
The psalmist reminisced upon past times so different to the current days surrounded by continual torments and scorning from his Babylonian oppressors.
But God reminds him that even in the darkest moments we possess a sure hope uncomplicated yet so profound well worth hanging on to,
The psalmist freely exposed his emotions with desperation revealing something beautiful about the God he placed his trust in: “I hear the tumult of the raging seas as your waves and surging tides sweep over me. But each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me.” (Ps.42:7-8)
What a wonderful encouragement to the struggling overcomer and for every person who may be enduring some crisis in their lives right now. His grace is always sufficient, for His strength is made perfect in weakness! (2Cor.12:9)
