The Culture of Hope Founded on Faith
While leafing through an old hymnbook, I came across a favorite hymn that I had not sung for years. “Moment by Moment” (Words by May Whittle Moody 1870-1963, tune by Daniel W. Whittle 1840-1901) effectively expresses our Biblical hope in God’s Son. Here are the words:
While the lilting tune is lovely and delightful to sing, the words capture the yearning of every one of us in a world entirely out of our individual control. It begins with the relationship of belonging, not just to anyone, but to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ. John 1:12-13 remarks the nature of our relationship as that of children who are chosen for adoption: “But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name, which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”
The third stanza of the song reminds us that we are in His care. 1 Peter 5:7, “Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you”, is a direct statement of the theme of God’s care found throughout the Bible. The provision of water and manna to the children of Israel in the wilderness is only one example of God’s care for His own. With a reminder of God’s concern for us, Philippians 4:6-7 prompts us to “be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
In addition, we are the subject of His thoughts. Psalm 139:17-18 describes this with “how precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.” Jesus is so concerned for our welfare that 1 John 2:1-2 depicts Him as our “advocate”, or lawyer, before God: “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and he is the [appeasement] for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”
His compassion was demonstrated throughout the New Testament when he healed, fed, and delivered the people around Him (for example Mark 1:41, Matt. 15:32, and Luke 8 30). Psalm 86:15 describes Jesus in these terms: “but thou, O Lord, area God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.”
He desires our fellowship moment by moment and He promises never to leave us or forsake us (Heb. 13:5). God said it, I believe it, and that settles it.
