Hope Series Episode 18

Hope Series Episode 18

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You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. Psalm 119:114

Hello, my walking friend! Research consistently shows that engaging in regular walking can significantly extend lifespan. By promoting heart health, maintaining weight, enhancing overall fitness, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases, walking contributes to a longer, healthier life. Additionally, the mental and emotional benefits of walking, including stress reduction and improved mood, play a critical role in supporting longevity and a higher quality of life as you age. I watched a documentary on Netflix called Live to 100 and the people who lived to 100 walked regularly.

Today is the 18th episode in the hope series and our verse to meditate on is:
Psalm 119:114
You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.

The first part of this verse reminds us that God is our hiding place and our shield, we can go to God for refuge and protection. It doesn’t mean that bad things won’t happen to us in this world. We suffer, too. We live in a broken world where bad things happen…even to God’s people. In our journey through life, we will face storms, uncertainties, and battles. But in God, we find a spiritual sanctuary, a spiritual safe haven. Like a shield that guards against attacks, God protects our souls from the trials that seek to weaken our hope.
The next part of the verse is hoping in God’s word. Our hope is deeply anchored in God’s word. The Bible is not just a collection of words; it is a living, breathing testament of God’s character, promises, and unfailing love for us. When we trust in God’s word, we are putting our hope in the very essence of who He is. The gospel of John starts with: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He is talking about Jesus, the one who is walking with you now! When you hope in God’s word, you are hoping in Jesus!
In the face of life’s trials, it’s easy to lose hope. But God’s Word is an unchanging and reliable source of hope. Psalm 119:89-90 (NIV) affirms, “Your word, LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations.” The steadfast nature of God’s Word assures us that our hope is not in vain, for God’s promises endure forever.
What can you do to put your hope in God’s word? Well, I hate to sound like a broken record, but what you are doing right now is one great way! You are taking some time out of your day to consider, ponder, meditate on God’s word. You are allowing some space to listen to how the Holy Spirit wants to speak to you about God’s word. Let his words sink deep into your soul. When I think of meditating on God’s word, I think of marinating. When you marinate meat, you let it soak in the marinade, the longer the meat soaks, the more the flavor the marinade will permeate the meat. The same is true with us. The longer we let God’s word marinate our souls, the more it becomes a part of us, the easier it is to have hope, in spite of our circumstances.

Another thing you can do is find specific verses or promises or a characteristic of God that resonates with your current circumstances, and meditate on that verse. As you reflect on God’s faithfulness, your hope will flourish.
You can also pray God’s word back to him. Express your hopes, fears, and desires through the lens of scripture. When you align your prayers with God’s will and his promises, your hope is fortified. Sometimes I am blessed to have the opportunity to speak at events about Jesus, and I will pray his promises back to him, like this, “Lord, you promise that your word will not return void, so I trust that if I am sharing your word, you will turn it into a blessing for my audience.” You know, something like that.
It’s important to consider where you are looking to find hope. If you are looking to the world to fill you with hope, you know you will be disappointed. Instead, look to God and his word.

Now let’s take a little time to meditate on today’s verse,
Psalm 119:114
You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.

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.

Was there ever a time when someone, or something you read or saw on television, tried to make you feel foolish for your faith, hope, and trust in Jesus?

What are some feelings you have had when you read the Bible? List some words to describe your feelings, both good and bad.

Was there a time when you went to the Bible looking for hope and you found it? What was that like?

Now let’s listen to today’s verse one last time:
Psalm 119:114
You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.

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,
Forgive me when I don’t value your word the way I should. Forgive me when I read it only to say I have done it. I really want to make your words, your promises, and your truths a part of who I am. I don’t want to know things about the Bible just to feel smart. I want the Holy Spirit to sink the truths of the Bible deep into my heart. Help me believe every one of your promises and believe what you have promised for me. I know that my hope comes from you, my Savior, and I thank you for giving me your word so that I can know you better. Thank you for the power of your word and its transforming power in my life. I praise you, Jesus, for being the way, the truth, and the life. 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, our refuge. 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 meditating on Biblical hope. Until then, God bless you as you walk with Jesus.