MORNING MANNA 9-12-22
NEVER SURRENDER
Why arat thou cast down, O my soul? And why arat thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God; for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.- Psa. 42:11
Christian theologian Richard John Neuhaus was being driven from an airport to a speaking engagement. During the drive, one of his hosts went on and on about the disintegration of the American social fabric and the disappearance of Christian values and virtues from the culture. After what was a tedious drive listening to the man talk, Neuhaus finally was able to offer a response: “The times may be bad, but they are the only times we are given. Remember, hope is still a Christian virtue, and despair is a mortal sin.”
It may be true that Christian values and virtues are disappearing, but there is one virtue that should remain as long as a single Christian survives: the virtue of hope. Regardless of how bleak the circumstances, hope can continue. Hope cannot be taken from the Christian—it can only be surrendered. And as long as God exists, there is reason for the Christian to hope. After all, it is God who is in charge of the present and future, not society or culture.
Whether your concerns are cultural or personal, as long as you refuse to surrender your hope in God, you will live to praise Him another day.
What oxygen is to the lungs, such is hope for the meaning of life.- Emil Brunner
Lakeway Baptist Church
Humble, Tx.
