Hope in God

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I read an article in our local paper recently about an atheist author whose best-selling book aggressively attempts to refute the existence of God. The Psalmist must have experienced a similar assault on God’s character in Psalm 42 and 43; his oppressors were saying continually, “where is your God?” (42:10). I’m sure some who read this blog have the same question in mind “witnessing” our experiences with Ian: where is your God? I’m sure because that question has whispered from the corner of my mind.

The Psalmist struggled with difficult experiences caused in part by atheists in his day. “Deep calls to deep at the roar of your waterfalls,” he said. “All your breakers and your waves have gone over me.” Yet, in the face of his difficulties he challenged his own soul (42:11): “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.” This is a refrain he repeats three times in two Psalms. It’s a refrain I have to repeat over and over again to myself, too, despite my difficult experiences.

No matter what happens with Ian, I must “hope in God, for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.”

Ian continues to be alert and apparently aware of his surroundings. We “communicate” by asking yes/no questions of him, and we get a long blink if his answer is ‘yes’. A friend of ours led a group us in a worship with Ian; I trust it meant a lot to him.

Pray for Ian.

Steve

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  1. Dear Steve,
    I believe when honesty such as this comes forth, that God in His greatness uses it to melt cold, hard hearts. The Lord, in the way that only He can, brings increase of understanding to those who could not be reached in other ways. He knows exactly what we have need of even before we ask and I believe that He was speaking to many hearts through this entry, by addressing the question that we probably all have asked at one or many points of our lives, “Where are you God?” If it were not for the Holy Spirit and the Word of God to draw us back in, we would be most miserable, but praise be to God that He has not left us utterly forsaken. He has dealt mercifully with us and as we read His Word, we come to understand this more and more.
    Continuing to pray with you,
    Chris P.

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  2. Thank you for the encouragement from Psalms. I am dwelling there often in my devotions. Only God’s word alone can give us lifeful hope in the face of utter despair. I pray for fresh mercy for today for Ian and you as you go about the daily work of caring for him. I struggle to take “ten looks at the Cross” for every one look at myself. I just wish and pray earnestly for a better, richer, deeper knowledge of his care for us. I know the pat answers, but I need at times to “feel” the answer. That is my prayer for you and me in whatever temptation crosses our paths today.
    We live at the foot of his cross, not by our choice, but by his, and surely he gives us the strength to do it. He is good, but I still pray with great hope for healing for all our situations. Loving you all, and feeling your sorrow, gla

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