I said, “I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth while in the presence of the wicked.” So I remained utterly silent, not even saying anything good. But my anguish increased; my heart grew hot within me. While I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue: “Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure. Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom; in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth without knowing whose it will finally be. But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you. (Psalm 39:1-7)

Have you ever felt like your heart was growing hot, a fire burning within you as you meditate and spend time with the Lord?

Do you sometimes reflect on the brevity of life, the falsity of “security” in this world?

How many people do you know who “rush about, heaping up wealth without knowing whose it will finally be.”

This is not the full psalm, but let us take comfort as David did in the truth here –

“But now, Low, what do I look for?
My hope is in you.”

Is your hope in the God of the universe, the One who created you, the God of salvation and grace? The years are short. Our efforts to do good can feel like they are never enough. We look around and see people making mistakes, living for things that are ultimately not very important, and it can discourage us.

Instead of looking at the world around you, look for the Lord.

This weekend, Christians celebrate the good news of Easter. This is our hope! Our sins covered and paid for. Our life given purpose and meaning. And death defeated by the victory of resurrection – freely given to all who choose to follow Jesus.

O God, our hope is in You!

Written by Jessica Hayes
Executive Director