Anne Graham Lotz: Bible Study — Our Hope Is in God

As I write this, we are in the midst of a busy election season. Every news cycle brings us information on the various candidates vying for local and state positions, plus the highest office in America. We are told what she said, what he said, and what they said. Following the news, the pundits pick apart and spin what has been said so that facts are intertwined with opinions in a dizzying cycle.

I do believe this November’s American election may be one of the most critical in our nation’s history. God willing, I will exercise my privilege and vote. But I also know with certainty that, “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain” (Psalm 127:1). Our hope is not in man. Our hope is in the Lord.

I. WE LOOK TO HIM – Psalm 43:1-2

A. Our Rescuer – Psalm 43:1

What does the psalmist ask God to rescue him from?
How is our situation today similar to that of the psalmist?
How and why was Lot rescued from the wicked city of Sodom and God’s subsequent judgment? Genesis 18:16-33; 19:23-29; 2 Peter 2:7-9.
Who rescued the Israelites from slavery and from Pharaoh’s pursuing army? Exodus 14:10-31.
Who rescued Peter from the wicked King Herod? Acts 12:1-11.
Who rescued Paul from one dangerous situation after another? 2 Timothy 3:10-11.
Who do you sincerely think will rescue us from America’s troubles?

B. Our Refuge — Psalm 43:2

In the midst of rejection and oppression, where did the psalmist go?
When we are in trouble, where are we not to go? Isaiah 30:1-2; 31:1.
In the previous verses, what do you think Egypt represents? Proverbs 3:5-6.
How do the following verses encourage you? 2 Samuel 22:2-4; Psalm 9:7-10; 27:1-3; 32:7.
When we are oppressed and persecuted, where are we to go?

II. WE LONG FOR HIM —Psalm 43:3

What are the primary characteristics of light?
What is God’s light? Psalm 27:1; 43:3; John 1:1-5, 9, 14; 1 John 1:5; Revelation 22:5.
Where can we find the light? Psalm 19:8; 119:105.
List some of the benefits of living in His light. Psalm 119:130; John 8:12; Acts 26:15-18; Romans 13:12; 2 Corinthians 4:5-6; 1 John 1:7.
In a world of increasing darkness and evil, do you truly long for the light to the point that you will read God’s Word daily, then apply, obey and live it out?
Will you in turn be a reflection of God’s light for someone else who is living in darkness? Matthew 5:14-16.

III. WE LOVE HIM — Psalm 43:4-5

Where do we meet God? Psalm 43:4.
What do you think the “altar” represents? Leviticus 9:7; 17:11; John 1:29; 19:16-18.
Describe the first time that you met God at the “altar.”
When we fully embrace hope, how does it change our attitude? Psalm 43:5; John 14:1-3; 11:25-26; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Peter 1:18-21; 1 Peter 1:8.
List as many ways as you can that God shows His love for you.
List as many ways as you can that you show your love for Him.

This year, regardless of the outcome of the elections, with eyes fixed on Jesus and a heart filled with longing and love, would you thank God that He is our hope? Our hope for the future is assured. The best is yet to come!