Pastor Devotion – Finding hope!

By Pastor Stuart Weist

First Baptist Church of Preston

In America today, hope seems to be in short supply; everywhere you turn there are stories of political upheaval, governmental mistrust, and disease.  Talking to neighbors you hear of those that are suffering from terminal illnesses, failing marriages, or someone suffering from depression.  Compound this with our current transition to virtual environments for everything from grocery shopping to business meetings and you have the perfect storm.  According to a recent study by Boston University School of Public Health, depression cases have tripled in the past year with now a staggering one in three Americans suffering from depression!

Why is this?  The world answers this by pointing to economic, social, or political issues.  However, the lack of hope runs deeper than that.  People are losing hope because they have lost sight of Christ!  Christians and non-Christians alike seem to have forgotten the hope that the Lord has to offer.  So, if you are one struggling to find hope this week, allow me to point you to the source of all hope in our Lord. 

Isaiah chapter 40 is one of the single most hope-filled chapters in all of Scripture.  In it we see the prophet Isaiah seek to give comfort and hope to Israel in their times of turmoil. While space does not permit me to exposit all that Isaiah 40 has to say, I would like to look at just the final verse.   Isaiah 40:31 states, “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.”

Isaiah is calling on the those who believe in Christ to remember the power, strength, love, mercy, and grace of their Lord and Savior.  He is calling us to walk faithfully and worthy to that which he has called us and to trust him in our times of trial.  The Lord, Jesus Christ exemplifies what it is to overcome trial and difficulties in life.  Being ridiculed, mocked, falsely charged, spat upon, and finally hung on a cross, the Lord knows the trials of life.  Yet He did all of that for you and me.  He suffered so that we might be redeemed.  He died and rose again that we too could have the hope of the resurrection.  He demonstrated how we can renew our strength in him and run without growing weary.  Friends, I don’t know what you’re struggling with in life right now, but I do know there is a reason you have read this article.  If you are one who knows Christ may I encourage you to read Isaiah 40 and renew your strength.  To run the race well for Him.  If you are one who does not know Christ, or is struggling with past hurt or depression, if you have walked away from God, I encourage you to turn back to Him.  Hope, love, and grace are available to all who seek the Lord.