Rising Above Life’s Trail Through Christ

02/18/24 – 03/08/24

Hoping in the Messiah

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  03/04/24

Psalmists have predicted with accuracy the coming of the Lord Jesus. And He has come—our Savior, our Messiah. So what do the prophecies about Him mean for us today? How can we relate to these psalmists who spoke of Jesus 1,000 years before His birth when we are living 2,000 years after?

The psalmists were people just like us. They had warring emotions: on the one hand, courage when facing the enemies of God; on the other, utter despair before God. On the one hand, they exhibited exuberant confidence in the presence of God; on the other, they raised entreating cries to God to fulfill His promises. Can you identify with that? The Messianic psalms show us that regardless of our emotions toward our circumstances, we can come to God. Though God is awesome and mighty, He is also our loving provider. The psalmists help us look to God in all circumstances so that we rest in His faithful, unstoppable lovingkindness.

The psalmists also remind us that, while Christ has come, there is yet a more glorious day—the day of His return. They exhort us to remember the past, prepare in the present, and joyfully anticipate our future. That means remembering the work of the Lord in your life—the Hound of Heaven—seeking you out to bring you into His salvation. It means preparing now for the return of Jesus, allowing His Spirit to make every part of you subject to the King of kings, for He alone is trustworthy and pure. And it means waiting expectantly for the future glory that is promised—being in the presence of the Lord, enjoying Him forever in the new heaven and the new earth. Come, Lord Jesus!

Prayer: My Lord and King, my hope is in You. Help me to remember Your goodness, prepare for Your coming, and anticipate the future consummation of Your purposes—Your eternal Kingdom. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1).