Psalm 119:74

Hope In The Word
Ronnie W. Wolfe

You will admit, I think, that this is an unusual verse of Scripture; but I believe we may be blessed to understand some principles from this great verse.

"They that fear thee" are the ones who have seen that they are depraved, blinded by sin, dead in their trespasses, and have repented and trusted Jesus Christ for salvation, for the fear of the Lord comes as a part of regeneration and conversion.

These are the ones to whom we must have a good reputation, showing that we truly fear the Lord and are serious about our confession unto salvation. These are the ones who are concerned about our welfare and even our help and encouragement in times of trouble. These are the ones with whom we have good fellowship and depend upon for personal exhortations.

These "will be glad when they see me," because in my personal life I should be salt (Matt. 5:13) and light (Matt. 5:14). My life will be a tutor or a teacher to others of true faithfulness to God. Paul told Timothy in 1 Tim. 4:12 that he should be an example of the believers. This is our calling and great privilege; thus, others who believe will be glad when they see us.

The ultimate reason for the gladness is due to the fact that we have hoped in God's word. We have our hope in the Living Word, Jesus Christ, for it is He who died for our sins (1 Cor. 15:13; Gal. 1:4; 1 John 2:2; 4:10).

Through the Living Word we have hope of righteousness (Gal. 5:5); we have a hope laid up in heaven (Col. 1:5); Christ in us is the hope of glory (Col. 1:27); we have a hope of eternal life (Titus 3:7); we lay hold onto a hope that is set before us (Heb. 6:18); and we have a reason for the hope that lies within us and can give an answer for it (1 Peter 3:15).

Through the Written Word we who are saved can receive sanctification (John 17:17); we can have our understanding opened (Luke 24:45); we can reason with others through the Written Word (Acts 17:2); we can show by the Written Word that Jesus is the Christ (Acts 18:28); and we can preach the Gospel through the Written Word (1 Cor. 15:3-4).

So, let us watch one another to edification; let us exhort one another as believers, and especially in our local churches, that we can be believers that will bring praise and honor to our Lord!