THE KEY OF HOPE

"What is to us hidden by darkness, or unknown through ignorance, is perfectly seen and known by God; because He is all sight, all hearing, all feeling, all soul, all spirit - all in All, and infinite in Himself." - Adam Clarke

A child of God never needs to feel discouraged, depressed, or hopeless concerning the future days. As long as he stays "hooked to the Vine" (the Lord Jesus), he will always have a solution for every problem...an answer for every question...and a way out of every dilemma.

In this message, we would like to offer you a "key" of Hope for the future. Hold onto this "key." Don't forget it or "lose" it. Then, when "hard times" come, be sure to use it to bring you and your loved ones through whatever circumstances you are facing.

Not surprising - this "key" of Hope can be found in the Holy Scriptures. Closely pay attention as we examine a few verses together. See how they all emphasize a general theme.

Psalm 25:14 says - "The secret of the LORD is with them that fear Him; and He will show them His covenant."

In this verse of Scripture, we see that the true worshippers - those admitted into the LORD's confidential intimacy...those permitted to come into His Presence...and those who are partakers of His counsels - are brought into the experiential knowledge of the great blessings that He has provided for those who love him.

Psalm 139:12 says - "Yea, the darkness hideth not from Thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to Thee."

Here we see that what is "dark" to us is not "dark" to Jesus. Things like disappointment, bereavement, troubles, calamities, afflictions, cares, and losses appear "dark" to us. However, all is "light" to Him. The "day" is bright and clear to Him as the "night." To Him there is no difference. The "darkness" veils nothing to Him. It offers no concealment in any degree. It hides from men, but not from Him. He sees as clearly and distinctly in one as in the other.

Song of Solomon 7:13 says - "The mandrakes give a smell, and at our gates are all manner of pleasant fruits, new and old, which I have laid up for thee, O my beloved."

Here we have mention of the "fruits" - "new and old" - the flowers and herbs of every kind - that have their proper times and seasons - denoting the plenty, variety, and excellency of the blessings of grace that the believer finds in Christ Jesus.

Isaiah 42:9 says - "Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them."

In this verse of Scripture, God mentions new favors not formerly conferred and new promises not yet fulfilled. The image presented is that of a plant beginning to germinate...of the seed yet under ground... and of the time before any indication of life or growth manifests.

Isaiah 43:19 says - "Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert."

God is offering His people a wonderful thing - something unprecedented ... something that has not hitherto occurred ... or something unheard of - far surpassing what He formerly did.

Isaiah 45:3 says - "And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, Which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel."

God uses the common Oriental practice of hiding treasures of gold and silver in the earth to reveal to His people that He has treasures for them that are laid up in private and obscure places - that are hidden... unknown...and secret.

Isaiah 48:6 says - "Thou hast heard, see all this; and will not ye declare it? I have shewed thee new things from this time, even hidden things, and thou didst not know them."

In this verse, God infers that He has things which have not before occurred...not yet come to pass...which are newly revealed...hidden in His breast...never heard of, known, or expected...and are seemingly impossible and out of the reach of the power of man.

Jeremiah 33:3 says - "Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not."

Here God reveals that He has stupendous things for His people that are known only to Him. They are things in the future...things unattainable by human discernment...and things inaccessible until revealed.

Daniel 2:22 says - "He revealeth the deep and secret things: He knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with Him."

There are things that are hidden from the eyes of the living. Here they are referred to as "the deep and secret things." They are too profound for man to fathom by his own power. They are concealed and secret until God makes them known.

Matthew 13:52 says - "Then said He unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure: things new and old."

Every minister of the Gospel is pictured as a father of a family - distributing to the church as it needs. The "Minister of ministers" - the Lord Jesus Himself - is the greatest of all "householders" - distributing to His church - "things new and old" - which is a Jewish phrase for great plenty. He is the "storehouse" of grace and truth. From Him, His people receive all gifts, graces, light, and knowledge. He furnishes them with a rich and suitable supply of spiritual food - oftentimes "old truths" in new forms, aspects, and applications.

How is it possible for the child of God to live "fear-free" in the days of uncertainty that lie ahead?

These verses of Scripture that we just examined offer the reasons why -

1) God has Great Blessings in store for those who fear Him.

2) He is not affected by the "dark" times. He knows what is in the "darkness." He sees as clearly in them as though they were "light."

3) He has blessings of grace for His people that are "new and old." Each has their particular time to manifest. With a "new season," there are "new" blessings ready to spring forth. In other words, whether the times are good or bad, there are specific and unique blessings activated in that season of time.

4) Did you know that there are "new" favors yet to be conferred and new promises yet to be fulfilled? Their "seed" is in the ground - hidden from your view - but about to spring forth unto life for you and your family.

5) God has wonderful, unheard of, and surpassing things that have not yet been manifested.

6) God has "treasures" in store for His people that are hidden in obscure places. He has things hidden in His breast that are future and fresh - known only to Him. They are "deep and secret things" - too profound for man to discover them - but concealed until God reveals them. That is why you never need to fear or be at a loss in your circumstances - whatever they may be.

7) God is the Major Householder who has "things new and old" in His storehouse - blessings yet to be enjoyed.

Whatever the future holds for the people of God - He has it already "covered" or taken care of. Promises for the future days are just waiting to be claimed. They are likened unto "seeds" - hidden from view - but already germinating in the ground.

This is your "key" of hope. Don't fear what is about to happen. Though the world tremble and panic at what lies ahead, you need never be caught doing the same.

Your Heavenly "Householder" will take care of you.

You may not have answers, but He does!

He has things in store that have never been seen, known, or realized. They are "new" - totally brand "new"!

Be encouraged today.

Let your faith soar like an eagle!

Rest in the loving arms of Your Heavenly Father Who takes care of His own - in the days of "light" as well as in the days of "darkness."

Take hold of the "key" of hope that we are offering you. Keep it stored in your heart. And be sure to use it in the days ahead when things begin to grow "darker" and "darker."

Remember - you now have the "key" that will unlock any "darkness" that lies ahead. No matter what the future holds - for you, your family, your city, or your nation - no matter what chaos or unrest may occur - God, your Heavenly "Householder," has your "back" - so to speak.

"...at our gates are all manner of pleasant fruits, new and old, which I have laid up for thee, O my beloved."

Be sure to stay close to Jesus - waiting at His "gates" daily. It is there that you will find what you need!

May God Bless His Word,

Connie

© COPYRIGHT Connie Giordano - All Rights Reserved