Hope Series Episode 12

Hope Series Episode 12

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But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love. Psalm 33:18

Hello, my walking friend! There are so many wonderful health benefits to walking. Over the next few episodes, I’m going to share a few with you so that you are even more inspired to take these 10 minute walks with Jesus! Women who walk have a 20% lower likelihood of getting breast cancer and a 31% lower risk of getting colon cancer. So, my women walking friends, keep it up! And, for my male walking friends, grab a woman in your life and get them walking with Jesus, too!

Today is the 12th episode in the hope series and our verse to meditate on is Psalm 33:18:
But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love.

Isn’t that a reassuring verse? It reminds us that no matter what challenges we face, God’s watchful eye is upon us.
The commentator, Matthew Henry, said, “The eye of the Lord is a constant, fixed gaze upon His people, an eye of favor, care, and protection.” What a beautiful way to think about God’s watchful eye! It’s not a distant or passive gaze; it’s a gaze filled with love and concern for us. In our busy lives, it’s easy to feel overlooked or abandoned. But Psalm 33:18 reminds us that God sees us, even when it seems like no one else does. This knowledge can bring tremendous peace and assurance. When we realize that God’s eye is fixed upon us, we find comfort in His presence and are filled with a sense of security.

Listen to this verse from the hymn “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms”:
“What have I to dread, what have I to fear, Leaning on the everlasting arms? I have blessed peace with my Lord so near, Leaning on the everlasting arms.”

These words remind us that when we lean on God’s everlasting arms, we find hope and courage even in the midst of life’s challenges. Because, let’s face it, life is full of uncertainties and challenges. We face health issues, financial struggles, and relationship conflicts. In such times, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and lost. But this psalm encourages us to hope in God’s unfailing love.

Another commentator, Albert Barnes, put it this way: “The eye of God is on those who fear Him; it is not the mere gaze of an idle spectator; it is the watchful care of a friend, a Father, a Redeemer.”

Isn’t it amazing to think of God as a friend, a Father, and a Redeemer? He not only watches over us but also cares for us deeply and he’s walking with you now!

So, how can we practically apply this verse in our lives? Here are a few suggestions:
Trust. Trust in God’s watchful eye: When you face challenges, remember that God is watching over you with love and care.
Lean on His everlasting arms: Find comfort in His presence, just as the hymn suggests.
Fear the Lord: Not with dread but with reverence and awe, acknowledging His sovereignty.
And, finally, but definitely not least, put your hope in his unfailing love for you.

In 1 Corinthians 13:13, the apostle Paul writes, And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

All earthly spiritual gifts, like speaking in tongues, prophecy, and even gaining knowledge will end when our earthly lives end. But faith, hope, and love will continue on with us into heaven. It is this faith in Jesus, who is the word, and in his promises, that give us hope. Our faith is where our true hope comes from. And that faith comes from the love of God for us. His unfailing love. Remember, he loved us first…even while we were still sinners.

When you consider that the creator of the universe is keeping a watchful eye over you and loves you with an unfailing, never-ending love – doesn’t that fill you with hope? It does me!

Now let’s take a little time to meditate on today’s verse, and God’s love for us: Psalm 33:18:
But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love.

You are now at the halfway point of your walk. If you need to be back in 10 minutes, this would be the time to turn around and head back.

The second half of our walk is an opportunity for reflection, meditation, and prayer. For many of us, myself included, this might feel challenging. But the spiritual rewards, and transformation, that come from developing this discipline is great and so is the power of the Holy Spirit to help us. So let’s start with some questions that will guide you in the process of reflection.

When you stop and consider who Jesus is – his power, his mind, his awesomeness – do you feel intimidated to walk with him? If so, stop and consider his great love for you and that he wants to walk with you.

What does it mean to you to fear the Lord, as it says in the verse?

When you consider who Jesus is, does that fill you with hope? If so, why? If not, what keeps you from feeling hopeful?

Now let’s listen to today’s verse one last time:
Psalm 33:18:
But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love.

Is there anything else you would like to talk to Jesus about? Anything going on in your life? Remember he is right there with you, walking with you, and he is eager for you to share all that is on your heart and mind with him. Take some time to talk to him now.

Now I am going to pray for us:
Dear Jesus,
People in my life have let me down at times. Some have even abandoned me. I know that human love can be a risky thing. Forgive me for the times when I have doubted your love for me because of my own hurts and hang-ups. I praise you for your unfailing love and your unending mercies! Where would I be, Jesus, if it weren’t for your love and mercy? I would be a person without hope. But you, the creator of the universe, the one who has given everything life, the one who holds the world together with your word, you have given me hope. Let your light and love shine through me so that I can be a beacon of hope in this broken world. I love you, Jesus, and I thank you for walking with me always. Amen.

Well, my walking friend, you did it! Another 10 minutes of walking and another opportunity to build the spiritual discipline of prayer and quiet time with Jesus, the one who watches over you always. I’m grateful for you and I’m grateful you took the time to walk with me today.

For more Walk with Jesus resources, including the Walk with Jesus 21 day scripture, devotional, and guided prayer journal book for walkers, go to WalkWithJesusDevotional.com. You will find the URL for the show notes for this podcast in the episode description.

I hope we can walk together again tomorrow, friend, as we continue our series on hope. Until then, God bless you as you walk with Jesus.