Hope Series: Episode 17

Hope Series Episode 17

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We wait in hope for the Lord, he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you. Psalm 33:20-22

Hello, my walking friend! Did you know that incorporating a daily walking routine can positively impact sleep patterns and lead to better quality of sleep? Walking helps regulate the body’s internal clock and promotes a healthy sleep-wake cycle. The physical activity also helps reduce stress and anxiety, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep through the night. Consistent, restorative sleep is vital for overall health, energy levels, and cognitive function during the day. So, I hope you will sleep well tonight, friend!

Today is the 17th episode in the hope series and our verse to meditate on is Psalm 33:20-22
We wait in hope for the Lord, he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.

In today’s chaotic world, where uncertainty and trials seem to lurk around every corner, hope can sometimes feel unattainable. Yet, the Word of God offers us an enduring source of hope that transcends the challenges of our time. So let’s take a closer look at these verses so we can cultivate Biblical hope in our lives.

“Our soul waits for the LORD.” This verse begins by encouraging us to wait on the Lord. Waiting is often seen as passive, but in a biblical context, it’s an active waiting, akin to an eager anticipation. We’re not simply twiddling our thumbs, but we’re looking forward to the Lord’s intervention. As Psalm 27:14 says, “Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!”

We’re encouraged to wait for the Lord, not with impatience or anxiety, but with a deep-rooted confidence. Imagine a child eagerly waiting for their parent’s return—there’s an expectancy and joy in knowing that help and protection are on the way. I am a Nana to five grandchildren and, for a short season, my daughter and her husband and two children lived with us. Whenever I would come back from working or running errands, these two precious little ones would be standing in the doorway, jumping up and down saying “Nana! Nana! Nana!” I’m trying to imagine myself now, standing in the doorway, expectantly and with great excitement, waiting for Jesus. Jumping up and down, saying, Jesus! Jesus! Jesus! Imagine if we had the same enthusiasm while we waited for Jesus that children have for their parents or grandparents. No wonder Jesus encourages us to be like little children!

The next part says, “He is our help and our shield.” This reminds us that God is not a distant deity but a present help. In times of trouble, we can turn to Him as our shield, our protector. Trust in God’s faithfulness and the promise that He is our refuge in times of need (Psalm 46:1).

“For our heart is glad in him because we trust in his holy name.” True hope brings joy and gladness to our hearts. When we put our trust in the Lord, we find a source of deep and abiding happiness. The very character of God becomes a wellspring of hope.

“Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us, even as we hope in you.” The psalmist’s prayer is for God’s steadfast love to envelop us as we place our hope in Him. This love is unchanging and unwavering. It’s a love that endures through the trials of life. As Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us, “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

So, how can we cultivate this Biblical hope in our lives? Let’s look at some practical steps:

First of all, keep taking these walks with Jesus! The closer you draw to Jesus, the more hopeful you will be!
Dwell on God’s Promises. These promises are anchors for our hope, reminding us of His faithfulness. This podcast has many different series that you can choose from, so if you are looking for a specific theme to focus your walking time on, look through the episode list.

Pray. Prayer is not just about asking God for things but also a way to express gratitude for His goodness. As we thank Him for past blessings, our hope for the future is strengthened.
Surround yourself with a community of believers who can encourage and uplift you.

Now let’s take a little time to meditate on today’s verse,
Psalm 33:20-22
We wait in hope for the Lord, he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.

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.

What do you think makes waiting so hard?

Do you ever see the waiting time as an opportunity for the Holy Spirit to develop Godly characteristics in you? What are some of those characteristics?

How can you still have hope in the Lord when the outcome of something you have been hoping for is not what you wanted?

Now let’s listen to today’s verse one last time:
Psalm 33:20-22
We wait in hope for the Lord, he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.

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,
Waiting isn’t easy. Sometimes it is actually scary, and it is hard to feel hopeful. Help me, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to change my perspective during those times. Help me see you at work in my life during the waiting. Help me trust you with whatever I am hoping for. When I am tempted to worry, help me worship your name instead. I know there is power in your name, Jesus, and truth in your word. You are my help and my shield and I will put my hope in you. I want to have a joyful expectation for all you will do in my life. Thank you, Jesus, 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, our help and our shield. 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 Biblical hope. Until then, God bless you as you walk with Jesus.