Finding Hope in God’s Word

God’s Word: A Light in the Darkness

At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we believe in the transformative power of God’s Word. As Jim shared in his sermon, “Because someday you may be the one sitting in a room all by yourself with nowhere to turn, and I pray that God would open up the Bible to Psalm 40 and you can understand that you’re living in a slimy, miry, gross, nasty pit and there’s only one person that can save, and his name is Jesus.”

The Power of God’s Word

Psalm 40:1-3 beautifully captures the hope and deliverance found in God’s Word: “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.”

Thy Word: A Lamp to Our Feet

Jim emphasized the importance of God’s Word as a guiding light. “Thy word is a lamp. Let it light your path and it will change your life and show you the way of wisdom.” Psalm 119:105 echoes this sentiment, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” In times of darkness and uncertainty, God’s Word provides the guidance and hope we need.

Biblical Stories of Hope

The Bible is filled with stories of individuals who found hope in God’s Word. One such story is that of Joseph. In Genesis 37-50, we read about Joseph’s journey from being sold into slavery by his brothers to becoming the second-in-command in Egypt. Despite the many trials and hardships he faced, Joseph remained faithful to God and found hope in His promises. In Genesis 50:20, Joseph tells his brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

Another story of hope is found in the life of David. In 1 Samuel 17, we read about David’s battle with Goliath. Despite being a young shepherd boy, David found hope and courage in God’s promises. He declared to Goliath, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied” (1 Samuel 17:45). David’s faith and hope in God led to a miraculous victory.

Study, Share, Serve

Our mission at Lakeview Christian Church is to “Be the Change” as Jesus has changed us. We do this through “Just 3” principles: Study, Share, and Serve.

1. Study: To love and know God. Studying God’s Word is essential for finding hope and direction. Romans 15:4 reminds us, “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.”
2. Share: To know and love others. Sharing the hope we find in God’s Word is a powerful way to impact others. 1 Peter 3:15 encourages us, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
3. Serve: Love in action. Serving others is a practical expression of the hope we have in Christ. Matthew 5:16 says, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Through service, we bring hope and light to those in need.

Living in Hope

Jim’s sermon challenges us to live in the hope found in God’s Word. “Maybe this morning somebody’s here that doesn’t quite get what life is all about. We would love to share that hope of Jesus with you because he’s the one that can change your life.”

Living in hope means trusting in God’s promises and allowing His Word to transform us. Romans 12:2 instructs us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Practical Steps to Find Hope

1. Daily Scripture Reading: Make it a habit to read the Bible daily. Psalm 119:114 says, “You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.” Consistent reading helps us stay connected to God’s promises and find hope in His Word.
2. Prayer and Meditation: Spend time in prayer, asking God to fill you with hope and understanding. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
3. Join a Supportive Community: Engage with a church community that encourages and supports you. Hebrews 10:23-25 says, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
4. Serve Others: Find ways to serve others and share the hope you have in Christ. Acts 20:35 reminds us, “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” Serving others not only brings hope to them but also strengthens our own faith and hope.

Conclusion

As we seek to find hope in God’s Word, let us remember the words of Jeremiah 29:11, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'” By embracing the principles of Study, Share, and Serve, we can experience the transformative power of God’s Word and truly “Be the Change” that Jesus has called us to be.