Though we stand on sinking sand we will still hope (Job 13:15) with a story from the Thirty Years' War and a discovery made by a German pastor.

SCRIPTURE: Job 13:15 (TM)

Because even if he killed me, I'd keep on hoping.

STORY:

During the Thirty Years' War in the 17th century, German pastor Paul Gerhardt and his family were forced to flee from their home. One night as they stayed in a small village inn, homeless and afraid, his wife broke down and cried openly in despair. To comfort her, Gerhardt reminded her of Scripture promises about God's provision and keeping. Then, going out to the garden to be alone, he too broke down and wept. He felt he had come to his darkest hour.

Soon afterward, Gerhardt felt the burden lifted and sensed anew the Lord's presence. Taking his pen, he wrote a hymn that has brought comfort to many. "Give to the winds thy fears; hope, and be undismayed; God hears thy sighs and counts thy tears; God shall lift up thy head. Through waves and clouds and storms He gently clears the way. Wait thou His time, so shall the night soon end in joyous day."

It is often in our darkest times that God makes His presence known most clearly. He uses our sufferings and troubles to show us that He is our only source of strength. And when we see this truth, like Pastor Gerhardt, we receive new hope. Are you facing a great trial? Take heart. Put yourself in God's hands. Wait for His timing. He will give you a "song in the night." 

OBSERVATION:

Job understood. Paul Gerhardt discovered. That hope is always there regardless of circumstances. Times might be tough, but sunrise comes in the morning. A new day will dawn. Possibilities will grow. “Though (God) slay me,” says Job, “yet will I trust in him.” That “yet” is powerful. It speaks volumes. No matter what today might bring … “YET I WILL trust in him.”

My hope is built on nothing less

than Jesus' blood and righteousness.

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,

but wholly lean on Jesus' name.

On Christ the solid rock I stand,

all other ground is sinking sand;

all other ground is sinking sand.

When Darkness veils his lovely face,

I rest on his unchanging grace.

In every high and stormy gale,

my anchor holds within the veil.

On Christ the solid rock I stand,

all other ground is sinking sand;

all other ground is sinking sand.

PRAYER:

Thank you for the assurance that life as we presently know it doesn’t mean that it is going to be a life that we are to live for the rest of our days. Thank you for giving us the promise of hope even when all the ground around us is giving way.