When Hope Becomes Joy

 

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Genesis 21:2-3;6: And Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age at the time of which God had spoken to him. Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore him, Isaac. And Sarah said, “God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh over me.”

God not only predicted the birth of Abraham’s son—He gave the exact timing and told Abraham what the child’s name would be: Isaac.

“And Sarah conceived…” “…whom Sarah bore him…” God seems to be emphasizing that this child came from Sarah—not from Hagar or any servant. This was no ordinary birth. It was a miracle. Sarah was 90, and Abraham was 100 (Genesis 17:17). There was no natural way this could happen. It was fully the work of God.

Isaac means “he laughs.” Both Abraham and Sarah had laughed when they first heard God’s promise that they would have a son. Their laughter began in disbelief, but now—oh, what joy! After twenty-five years of waiting, at the perfect time, God’s promise was fulfilled. And with it came happiness and laughter.

Application:
Sometimes we go through long seasons of waiting, hardship, or sorrow while we cling to a promise. But nothing is impossible for God. When He moves, when He comes through, there will be laughter and joy where there was once only doubt and despair. 

So don't give up. Keep praying. Keep seeking the kingdom of God. Keep following Jesus--knowing that you can look to the future with hope and faith, trusting that God is who He says He is and that He will do what He says He will do.

 

Scripture from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

God in the Darkness

I read Psalm 88 this morning during my devotional time with the Lord. In it, the psalmist feels like he’s sitting in the depths of the pit—“in the regions dark and deep”—because of God’s wrath. Yet, even in that place of sorrow, he doesn’t turn away from God. Instead, he cries out to Him, prays, and pours out his heart.

In fact, he begins by declaring, “O LORD, God of my salvation.” Even in despair, he acknowledges that God is still his salvation.

That struck me—God is showing us that in our darkest moments, we are not meant to turn away from Him. Even if we suffer under His discipline or feel overwhelmed by life, we can still cry out to Him for mercy. We can repent and pray, drawing closer to God, not farther away. And He will come to save.

Sometimes, we must sit in darkness. But even then, God is our light.

I love Micah 7:8, and I often quoted it to myself during a season of depression and panic:

“Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD will be a light to me.”

Verse 9 continues:

“I will bear the indignation of the LORD because I have sinned against Him, until He pleads my cause and executes judgment for me. He will bring me out to the light; I shall look upon His vindication.”

This gives us hope. We don’t despair during such times—we hold on to the God who loves us and promises to lift us up.

1 Peter 5:10 offers this comfort:

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.”

I pray this encourages you today, just as it has encouraged me. God will restore and strengthen us—if we do not lose heart. Keep trusting in Him. Keep praying.

To God be the power and the glory forever and ever.

Amen.

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Quotes from Psalm 88 and Micah 7 are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

1 Peter 5:10 is from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.