Hope In God

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God…
Psalm 43:5

The doctor lowered his head in frustration and disappointment. He had done all he could do for the young girl, yet to no avail. The pain gripped her body like a vise’s unrelenting pressure on a piece of wood. Once filled with hope he could bring some relief to their baby girl, Mom and Dad sat helpless as the doctor had to leave. Now what would they do. Where could they turn? The experts had no answers. The hospital offered no help. The clinics held no hope. How could they live watching their daughter suffer? More importantly, how could the child live racked by so much pain? They were at their lowest point. It seemed they were literally, without hope.

As the sun set, the child drifted to sleep under the heavy sedation of the medication. Mom and dad were not as fortunate. They watched the sun sink below the horizon, seemingly taking all hope with it. That night, the only thing they could muster were a few soft words to each other and silent prayers to God. Exhaustion and fear had taken their place on the throne of their hearts.

The midnight finally arrived. Mom lay in the bed with her baby while dad dosed off and on, laying on the uncomfortable cot. Even if they had been awake, they would have been unaware of the silent stranger that visited their room that night. They never saw His mighty hand touch the sick child.

The psalmist brings familiar thoughts to us. “Why art thou cast down, O my soul?” He begged the question, “Why am I like this?” "Why can I not find relief?” “Where is my answer?” These are questions we have all asked. Maybe a bad report from the doctor brings the question to mind. It may have been a broken relationship. Maybe a child has gone astray. Whatever the case may be, the psalmist finishes the thought by answering his own question. He says, “Hope in God”. My friend, when the doctor walks away, hope in God. When fears grip your soul, hope in God. When the child screams in pain, hope in God. When money is running short, hope in God. My friend, do not give up! Even when depression comes over you, still, hope in God!