What hope do you cling to as you fall asleep?
“And my God shall supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
I just met with a dear friend of mine who does medical missions all over the world. In a few weeks he will go to war-torn Lebanon to provide medical services to those impacted by the conflict. My heart aches for the families affected by acts of terrorism or war or natural disasters — especially for the children. Starving for love and affection, they weep and long for the warm embrace of departed family members.
Such was the case in World War II. Hundreds of thousands of orphans were in dire need of shelter, food, medical attention, and love. At the end of the war, the Allies developed special camps for traumatized youth. The children developed and grew with the nutritious meals and good care they received. But in one of the camps, the officials became concerned because the children couldn’t sleep. Despite enough food and attention, they lay awake at night, staring at the ceiling.
Mental care professionals were brought in to study the children and determine why they weren’t sleeping. Eventually, the doctors came up with an idea. Every night, when the little children were put to bed, someone would come down the row of beds and place in each hand a piece of bread. The children would tighten their hands around that bread as if to embrace it for the future. In a few days the kids were all sleeping through the night! The doctors realized that by giving them hope for tomorrow they were able to rest in comfort.
God has given every believer that same reassurance by placing His promises in our hearts and minds. “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” (Hebrews 13:5)
As we consider the attributes of God, let’s remember to acknowledge that He is The Jehovah-Jireh (“The Lord Who Will Provide”). And like the ancient Hebrews, we can claim, “Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.” (1 Chronicles 29:11–12)
As we lie down at night, I pray that the hope we cling to is firmly planted in the great provisions of our Heavenly Father and our eternal salvation through Jesus Christ!
Personal Application
What does God’s Word tell us about trusting Him to be our comforter? “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6)
If you are a child of God, you will not be cut off from the hope that is within you. “There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.” (Proverbs 23:18)
Place your hope in Jehovah-Jireh. Thank Him for all your blessings, especially His greatest provision through Jesus Christ.
Jim Grassi, D. Min.