SALT Challenge - Hope

During the past few months the word "hope" has been bantered about in the media, by friends, family and neighbors. It seems many in our world hope for change in many things and it appears that their hope is based on a person or group of people. Is it wrong to hope that distressing times in our lives would change? Certainly not! The question is who or what is that hope based on? If our foundation of faith is in any individuals, whether that's one's spouse, a president, or employer, you will always be disappointed. No man or government will ever be able to meet the expectations of the masses seeking worldwide or personal peace or recovery from emotional, financial, or physical distress.

Psalm 146 states, "Do not put your trust in princes, nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help. His spirit departs, he returns to his earth; in that very day his plans perish."

If we can't ultimately trust in men to solve our deepest problems who or what can we trust in? Is there a way to have hope and even joyful expectation of relief in the midst of great suffering and uncertain times?

Continuing in Psalm 146 we see the answer, "Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help. Whose hope is in the Lord his God. Who made heaven and earth, the sea and all that is in them; who keeps truth forever, who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry. The Lord gives freedom to the prisoners. The Lord opens the eyes of the blind; the Lord raises those who are bowed down. The Lord loves the righteous, the Lord watches over the strangers; He relieves the fatherless and widow."

We see that ultimately it is the almighty Creator of heaven and earth that delivers real spiritual freedom, basic necessities like food, clothing, and shelter, and relief for physical ailments and the broken hearted. Government, no matter the promises made or how charismatic a leader, can't adequately meet the physical needs of the people. Nor can they bring relief to the deep spiritual needs of a nation or individual. History has proved that point again and again. Simply put, men, minus a Godly moral and ethical mindset, lack the power and ability to accomplish such an awesome task and God will simply turn their efforts "upside down."

This week at SALT, Hazel challenged the team with "Hope." The timing of her challenge is perfect, her write up inspiring and touching. Please visit the SALT blog to see all of the lovely creations made by our design team. We would love to hear from you and see what you create based upon the theme. Please leave us a comment and link back to your blog or gallery.

We can have great hope, even in troubling times. Romans says, "...we glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance, and perseverance character, and character hope. Now hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." One will never be disappointed if one's hope is fully centered upon Christ.

"The Lord shall reign forever!"