Hope in God

Rampant immorality and anti-Christian hostility dominate the news media in America today, and sadly the culture in general as well. The promotion of the homosexual agenda—and other similar perversions—that in previous generations would have received practically universal censure now enjoy legal protection, while the rights ensuring the freedom to criticize and condemn such behavior has eroded before our very eyes. Christians in America now face circumstances similar to our brethren throughout the rest of the world. We are coming to understand and appreciate more each day Peter’s description of God’s people as “sojourners and pilgrims” (1 Pet. 2:11). Nevertheless, however sad America’s moral decline might be, it has helped us more easily identify with godly people in past generations who found themselves overwhelmed by a wicked society.

When confronted with the bullying mob who wield the club of governmental power in the face of the godly, we should well understand the psalmist’s request, “Vindicate me, O God, And plead my cause against an ungodly nation; Oh, deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man!” (Psa. 43:1). When Supreme Court decisions defy morality, history, and logic, and when voters seem intent on rewarding coarse and illegal behavior, we surely consider asking God, “Why do You cast me off? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?” (Psa. 43:2b). But just as we have every reason to recognize the psalmist’s concern, so also should we align ourselves with his confidence in the request: “Oh, send out Your light and Your truth!” (Psa. 43:3a). We should long for our homeland and long for our God (Psa. 43:3b-4). Indeed, the trials of this life should remind us that we have a greater citizenship by far (Phil. 3:20)! And this is why we too must regain our strength and strengthen our faith to ask ourselves and answer in accordance with the psalmist’s words, “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God” (Psa. 43:5).

The last several years have been a challenge to the heart. Satan’s advances have seized much ground, but it can never seize the high ground. Therefore, I plead with you not to dwell on the din of the news or the venting found in other media. These too easily lead to dark places unbecoming for a child of God. Why, I ask you, should we hang our heads in despair when we serve the King of kings? No matter what choices others around us may make and no matter what circumstances we may ourselves face, we have every reason, always, to hope in God, to praise God, and turn to Him in faith, because—no matter what—He still reigns over all. Satan may have temporary victories in this world, but we have the hope of an eternal victory in heaven (1 Jn. 5:4).