In 1927, the Navy lost the submarine USS S-4 in a collision with the Coast Guard cutter USS Paulding. The first divers to reach the submarine on the ocean floor exchanged signals with the men trapped inside. With stormy seas causing repeated delays, the divers could not make the hose connection until it was too late. The last communication from the men trapped inside tapping on the hull in Morse code was the question: “Is there any hope?”
After hearing the nightly newscast, we may ask the same question. Besides the general news, our personal concerns about marriage, finances, children, job security, and various relationships can leave us feeling hopeless as well. It is estimated that we can live about 40 days without eating food; 4 days without water or other liquids; and about 8 minutes without breathing air – but we cannot really live at all without HOPE!
We need to know that there is hope for our future – something real and genuine to build our lives upon. It is this kind of hope that Peter was reminding his readers of when he wrote about the “reason of the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15). Because the powerful truth of the resurrection of Jesus Christ had radically transformed his life, Peter’s hope was not in anything subject to change. If we place our trust, our hope, in political leaders, the economy, finances, relationships, or positions we hold or aspire to hold, we are on shaky ground. Because the Son of God promised a unique peace (not the absence of conflict or problems) that is an inside job, His followers are hopeful in the most desperate of times.
The 42nd Psalm details four encouraging reasons for those looking to God as our source of life and peace to be filled with hope at all times.
GOD IS WITH US (v. 2) We forget about God being a person and think of Him as just some being “out there” instead of a personal, living being in us!! His very presence in our lives reminds us that we are not alone as we face the future.
GOD’S FACE IS TOWARD US (v. 5) Like children longing for the attention of a parent, as long as we know He is watching we are filled with joy.
GOD’S STRENTH IS WITHIN US (v. 6) God has both the power to change circumstances or change us no matter what is happening.
GOD’S LOVINGKINDNESS WATCHES OVER US (v.8) God’s love and care for us never changes whether we are up or down.
We are a needy people, but we need not be hopeless in this life or the life to come. When we are anchored to the Creator of heaven and earth, the Creator of our very lives, there is always reason to have hope!
