Hope through the Scriptures
“For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction,
so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures
we might have hope.”
Where does our hope come from? Romans tells us that it comes from Scripture. His word is “…living and active and sharper than any, two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12). A sword or knife is able to do two things – destroy or heal. Both hurt, but one leads to death and the other to life abundant and eternal.
This two-edged sword does both. First the word of God teaches us what must be destroyed in our lives. We must allow it to crucify our flesh, our old sin nature, our way of getting things done. It must destroy any idols that we have set up before God. It must destroy pride.
Then the sword of God’s word will begin to bring healing after the infection of self has been stripped away. It brings a healing of hope, humility, righteousness through the blood of Jesus, joy in the journey of our lives with God by our sides, and peace in the midst of trials. It heals our brokenness and teaches us of God’s great love for us, of His character of compassion and forgiveness, of grace and mercy. We learn through the Scriptures that God delights in us. He is our King, our Savior, our Father, our Hope.
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,
so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:4 & 13