The Value of a Good Name

How to Become a Christian

Here’s how can know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and be sure heaven is your eternal home. Click the link to read my personal story of accepting Jesus –My Story.
 
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The Worker Deserves His Wages

How to Become a Christian

Here’s how can know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and be sure heaven is your eternal home. Click the link to read my personal story of accepting Jesus –My Story.
 
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Delight In the Law of the Lord

How to Become a Christian

Here’s how can know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and be sure heaven is your eternal home. Click the link to read my personal story of accepting Jesus –My Story.
 
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Hope in God’s Word

Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word. Psalm 119:114 KJV
Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word. Psalm 119:114 KJV

Bible Verse

“Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.”

Psalm 119:114 (KJV)

My Story

Psalm 119:114 reads, “You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word.” This verse is a powerful reminder that no matter how difficult our circumstances may be, we can find comfort and strength in God’s promises. One person who embodied this truth was my grandmother, who spent the last 30-plus years of her life bedridden because of rheumatoid arthritis.

My grandmother was a remarkable woman. She was gentle, and always put others before herself. Despite her physical limitations, she never lost her faith in God. She saw her bed as her hiding place and her shield, a place where she could find rest and peace during her pain.

I spent countless hours by my grandmother’s bedside reading to her from the Bible. Sharing stories from my day and just sitting with her in silence were part of my routine. 

She always smiled on her face and encouraged me.

One day I was feeling down. I received a poor grade on a test. I felt like a failure. 

My grandmother sensed my sadness and asked me what was wrong. I told her about my test, and she listened. Then she reminded me of Psalm 119:114.

“Child,” she said, “God is our hiding place and our shield. When we put our hope in His word, we can face anything that comes our way. Don’t worry about this test. Just do your best and trust in God’s plan for your life.”

Her words stuck with me, and I carried them with me through the years. Whenever I faced a difficult situation, I remembered my grandmother’s advice and turned to God for strength. Her faith was contagious, and it inspired me to deepen my relationship with God.

Despite her physical limitations, my grandmother never lost her sense of purpose. She used her time in bed to pray for others, read the Bible, and encourage those around her. She may not have been able to do much physically, but she had a profound impact on those who knew her.

In the end, my grandmother’s faith in God sustained her through the years of pain and suffering. She knew that her hope was not in her circumstances, but in God’s promises. Her life was a living testament to Psalm 119:114, and her legacy continues to inspire me to this day.

In conclusion, my grandmother’s life was a powerful example of the truth of Psalm 119:114. No matter what we may face in life, we can find hope and refuge in God’s word. May we all have the same faith and courage as my grandmother, and may we never forget that God is our hiding place and our shield.

Who wrote Psalm 119:114 and when was it written?

Psalm 119:114 is in the longest chapter in the Bible, Psalm 119, which comprises 176 verses. Many scholars attribute Psalm 119 to King David’s authorship.

Scholars believe Psalm 119 was written sometime between the 6th and 4th centuries BC, during the period of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. The rebuilding of the temple, the restoration of Jewish worship, and the return of exiled Jews to Jerusalem marked this period. The themes of obedience to God’s laws, the importance of prayer and meditation, and trust in God’s faithfulness, which are prominent in Psalm 119, were also central to the Jewish faith during this period. If David wrote the Psalm, he wrote it was written between 1010 BC to 970 BC.

What is the context of Psalm 119:114?

Psalm 119:114 says, “You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word.” This verse is part of the longest chapter in the Book of Psalms, which is a poem comprising 176 verses, each focusing on the importance and beauty of God’s Word.

In this verse, the psalmist is expressing his trust in God and his reliance on God’s protection. The phrase “hiding place” suggests that the psalmist feels secure in God’s presence, and the mention of a shield emphasizes God’s role in protecting the psalmist from harm.

The psalmist also expresses his hope in God’s word, showing that he believes God’s promises and teachings will guide him through life and give him strength to face whatever challenges come his way.

Overall, Psalm 119:114 highlights the psalmist’s deep faith in God and his recognition of God’s power to provide safety, protection, and guidance in all aspects of life.

What is the meaning of Psalm 119:114?

Psalm 119:114 is part of the longest chapter in the Book of Psalms, which is a poem or song attributed to King David. The verse reads:

“You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word.”

In this verse, the psalmist is expressing his trust and reliance on God as his protector and the source of comfort. The metaphor of God as a hiding place suggests that the psalmist is seeking refuge from something or someone that is threatening him. We also see God as a shield, providing physical and spiritual protection from harm.

The second half of the verse expresses the psalmist’s faith in God’s promises and his word. The psalmist has placed his hope in God’s word, which can mean both the written word of Scripture and God’s spoken promises. This shows that the psalmist has a deep faith in God and believes that God will fulfill his promises and protect him.

Overall, Psalm 119:114 states trust and faith in God’s protection and promises. It is a reminder that God is a refuge and source of strength for those who seek him.

What does “Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.” mean?

The metaphor of a hiding place and shield suggests that the psalmist sees God as a place of safety and security, where he can go to find shelter and protection from the dangers and troubles of the world.

What does “I hope in thy word.” mean?

The psalmist also declares his hope in God’s word. This may refer to the teachings and commands of God, which are seen as a guide for living a righteous life. By trusting in God’s word, the psalmist believes that he can find the wisdom, strength, and encouragement he needs to face the challenges of life.

What is the difference in biblical translations of Psalm 119:114  (KJV, NIV & ESV)

  • Psalm 119:114  KJV biblical translation says:

Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.

  • Psalm 119:114  NIV biblical translation says:

You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.

  • Psalm 119:114  ESV biblical translation says:

You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word.

How does Psalm 119:114 give encouragement?

Psalm 119:114 says, “You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word.” This verse gives encouragement by reminding us that God is our refuge and protection, and that we can trust in His word.

In times of trouble or uncertainty, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or helpless. This verse assures us we can turn to God for safety and security. He is our hiding place, a haven where we can find comfort and rest.

The verse also mentions that God is our shield, which implies that He will protect us from harm. It reminds us we are not alone in our struggles, and that we have a loving God who is watching over us.

Last, the verse concludes by emphasizing the hope. By placing our hope in God’s word, we can find strength and courage to face whatever challenges come our way. This verse is a powerful reminder that no matter what we face in life, we can find encouragement and hope in God.

How can I apply Psalm 119:114 to my life?

Here are a few ways you can apply this verse to your life:

  • Find refuge in God: When you are going through difficult times, turn to God for refuge. He is a safe place where you can find comfort and peace. Strengthen your faith and hope by reading His word and meditating on His promises.
  • Trust in God’s word: God’s word is a source of truth and wisdom, and it is trustworthy. When you face challenges or uncertainties, turn to His word for guidance and direction. Read and studying the Bible, and let it shape your thinking and decision-making.
  • Put your hope in God: In a world that is often filled with disappointment and uncertainty, it’s easy to lose hope. But when we put our hope in God, we know that He will never let us down. He is a faithful God who cares for us and is always working for our good.

By applying these principles to your life, you can experience the peace and protection that comes from placing your trust and hope in God’s word.

A model or example prayer using Psalm 119:114

Here’s a model prayer using Psalm 119:114:

Dear God,

I come before you today grateful for your unchanging love and steadfast presence in my life. In this world, my vulnerability to many troubles and difficulties can overwhelm me. But I find my refuge in you, my Lord, who is my shield and my protector.

Thank you for the assurance you give me in Psalm 119:114, which says, “You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word.” Today, I choose to put my trust in you and your promises. I know you are faithful and your word is true.

As I face the challenges that lie ahead, I pray you will continue to be my hiding place and my shield. May your word guide me and give me the strength and courage I need to face each day with hope and confidence.

Thank you for your unfailing love and your constant presence in my life. I pray all these things in the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior.

Amen.

Conclusion

Accepting Christ as Savior is an act of faith and trust. We need the same type of trust to believe in the truths found in God’s word. It is through this trust that we can have hope and God can be our hiding place. God is a place of refuge. In our place of refuge, he acts as our shield to protect us from life’s difficulties.  The verse expresses a deep sense of faith and dependence on God, as well as a belief in the power of his Word to guide and sustain the believer.


Today’s article is from the forthcoming book: “Hope: How to Have Hope During Times of Hardship | The Bible Speaks to Life Issues, Book Three” by Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Ed.D. from Poetry and Prayer Press (c) 2023

How to Become a Christian

Here’s how can know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and be sure heaven is your eternal home. Click the link to read my personal story of accepting Jesus –My Story.

Disclosure: I am an Amazon affiliate. If you purchase using the links in the article I receive a small commission.

Books: Click on BOOKS to see some of the books I’ve written or where I’ve been a contributor.

God’s Grace Is Enough

How to Become a Christian

Here’s how can know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and be sure heaven is your eternal home. Click the link to read my personal story of accepting Jesus –My Story.

Disclosure: I am an Amazon affiliate. If you purchase using the links in the article I receive a small commission.

Books: Click on BOOKS to see some of the books I’ve written or where I’ve been a contributor.

Don’t Give Up!

How to Become a Christian

Here’s how can know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and be sure heaven is your eternal home. Click the link to read my personal story of accepting Jesus –My Story.

Disclosure: I am an Amazon affiliate. If you purchase using the links in the article I receive a small commission.

Books: Click on BOOKS to see some of the books I’ve written or where I’ve been a contributor.

All Things Are Possible With God

How to Become a Christian

Here’s how can know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and be sure heaven is your eternal home. Click the link to read my personal story of accepting Jesus –My Story.
 
Disclosure: I am an Amazon affiliate. If you purchase using the links in the article I receive a small commission.
 
Books: Click on BOOKS to see some of the books I’ve written or where I’ve been a contributor. 

May All Go Well With You

How to Become a Christian

Here’s how can know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and be sure heaven is your eternal home. Click the link to read my personal story of accepting Jesus –My Story.
 
Disclosure: I am an Amazon affiliate. If you purchase using the links in the article I receive a small commission.
 
Books: Click on BOOKS to see some of the books I’ve written or where I’ve been a contributor. 

This is the Day

How to Become a Christian

Here’s how can know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and be sure heaven is your eternal home. Click the link to read my personal story of accepting Jesus –My Story.
 
Disclosure: I am an Amazon affiliate. If you purchase using the links in the article I receive a small commission.
 
Books: Click on BOOKS to see some of the books I’ve written or where I’ve been a contributor. 

Hope In God

Bible Verse

“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.”

Psalm 42:11 (KJV)

My Story

Sarah Elizabeth and I both co-taught a class of two-year-olds in the seminary’s early childhood learning center. We weren’t just coworkers, we were friends. She and my wife attended aerobics together and became friends as well.

She who loved spending time in nature. Before seminary, she would often go on hikes and spend hours exploring the forests near her home back in the Blue Ridge Mountains. She found that being in nature helped her connect with God and find peace in her heart.

She shared with me that one day, while hiking in the mountains, she came across a rushing river. As she stood on the bank and watched the water flow by, she felt a sense of awe and wonder at the power and beauty of nature. She followed the river upstream, curious to see where it would lead.

As she walked along the bank, she came across a section where the water looked smooth as a glass window. She could see the rocks and pebbles at the bottom of the riverbed, and she noticed something shiny caught in between the rocks. She reached in and pulled out a small, smooth stone that sparkled in the sunlight.

Sarah Elizabeth held the stone in her hand and felt a sense of joy and gratitude. She felt as if God had given her a gift, a small reminder of His love and presence in her life. She thought of the words of Psalm 42:11: “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”

Sarah Elizabeth viewed the stone as a symbol of hope and faith. 

Just as the stone hid among the rocks in the riverbed, sometimes hope and faith can hide during our struggles and challenges.

She found the stone and held onto it as a symbol of her faith.

As Sarah Elizabeth continued on her hike. She thought about how Psalm 42:11 applied to life. Living through a difficult time, feeling overwhelmed with college and her part-time job, she struggled to find balance in her life. But holding onto the stone reminded her that even during her struggles, God was with her and would help her through.

She felt peace knowing she could put her hope in God. She trusted He would guide her through challenges.

Sarah Elizabeth praised God for her renewed faith.

In her heart, she knew He would never leave her or forsake her.

As Sarah Elizabeth reached the end of her hike and returned home, she kept the stone with her as a reminder of the lesson she had learned. She knew that life would have its difficulties, but she also knew that she could put her hope in God and trust that He would never fail her.

She took the small stone from her purse and showed it to me. I carry it with me as a reminder of God’s abiding presence.

“When I’m feeling down or blue, I hold it in my hand as a reminder to keep my hope in God.” And with that knowledge, she said she felt a sense of joy and hope that filled her heart, just like the glittering stone filled her hand.

Who wrote Psalm 42:11 and when was it written?

The psalmist of the Sons of Korah wrote Psalm 42:11. The Sons of Korah were a group of Levitical singers who led worship in the Temple of Jerusalem during the time of King David and King Solomon.

Scholars are uncertain about the exact date of the writing of Psalm 42:11. People believe ancient Israelites compiled and edited the psalms over a period of several centuries, with some dating back to the time of Moses and others written during the Babylonian exile in the 6th century BC. Scholars classify Psalm 42 as one of the “psalms of lament,” which express feelings of sadness and distress, and they have suggested that they wrote it during a time of national crisis or personal struggle.

What is the meaning of Psalm 42:11?

Psalm 42:11 is a verse from the Book of Psalms, which is a collection of sacred songs and prayers that form part of the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. The verse reads:

“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.”

We often interpret this verse as a call to trust in God even in difficult times, and to find comfort and hope, knowing that God will provide salvation. The speaker of the psalm is expressing feelings of sadness and turmoil, but also acknowledges that they will once again find joy in praising God. The verse is a reminder to believers that even in the darkest of times, they can turn to God for comfort and hope.

What does “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God:” mean?

Psalm 42:11 is part of a psalm attributed to the sons of Korah, and it expresses a longing for God’s presence. It declares the hopeless encountered without God’s presence.

The line “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me?” is a rhetorical question the psalmist asks himself to express his inner turmoil and sadness. He is asking himself why he is feeling so down and restless within his own soul.

We can interpret this line as the psalmist’s struggles with doubt and despair, which are common themes throughout the book of Psalms. We can also see it as a reminder to turn to God for comfort and strength, as the psalmist does later in the verse by encouraging himself to place his hope in God.

Overall, the line conveys a sense of emotional turmoil and a longing for spiritual comfort and reassurance. It serves as a reminder that even in times of difficulty, we can turn to God for guidance and support.

What does “for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.” mean?

Psalm 42:11 is a verse from a psalm of lament, where the psalmist expresses his deep longing for God during his distress. The verse reads:

“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.”

In this verse, the psalmist is reminding himself to hope in God and trust in His goodness, despite his current struggles. The phrase “the health of my countenance” refers to God as the source of the psalmist’s well-being and vitality. By praising God, the psalmist affirms his faith that God can restore his joy and peace, even in difficult times.

Overall, this verse expresses the psalmist’s confidence in God’s power to bring him through his troubles and restore him to a place of wholeness and happiness.

What is the difference in biblical translations of Psalm 42:11 (KJV, NIV & ESV)

  • Psalm 42:11 KJV biblical translation says:

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

Psalm 42:11 KJV
  • Psalm 42:11 NIV biblical translation says:

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

Psalm 42:11 NIV
  • Psalm 42:11 ESV biblical translation says:

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.

Psalm 42:11 ESV

How does Psalm 42:11 give encouragement?

Psalm 42:11 says, “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”

This verse provides encouragement by reminding the reader to trust in God and to put their hope in Him, even in difficult times discouraged and blue. The psalmist is acknowledging their feelings of sadness and discouragement, but they are also reminding themselves and the reader that God is their Savior and their source of hope.

The phrase “for I will yet praise him” suggests that the psalmist is hopeful that their situation will improve, and that they will have reason to praise God again in the future. This can be encouraging to readers who are going through difficult times, as it reminds them that their current situation is not permanent and that they too can have hope for a better future.

Overall, Psalm 42:11 encourages readers to turn to God and to trust in Him, even in times of trouble, and to have hope for a better future.

How can I apply Psalm 42:11 to my life?

This verse encourages us to take our focus off of our troubles and instead put our hope in God. When we feel downcast or disturbed, we can choose to turn to God and trust in His goodness and faithfulness.

To apply this verse to your life, you can start by reflecting on any areas where you might be feeling downcast or disturbed. Maybe you are struggling with a difficult situation at work or in your personal life. Perhaps you are dealing with feelings of anxiety or uncertainty about the future.

Whatever the situation may be, take some time to pause and turn your attention to God. Pray for His guidance, wisdom, and peace. Trust that He is in control and that He has a plan for your life, even if you can’t see it right now.

As you shift your focus from your problems to God, you can experience a sense of hope and peace that transcends your circumstances. You can also find comfort in knowing that you have a Savior who loves you and is with you every step of the way.

A model or example prayer using Psalm 42:11

Here is a model or example of prayer using Psalm 42:11:

Dear God,

As I come to you today, I feel downcast and disturbed, just like the psalmist in Psalm 42. Yet I know you are my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, and that you are always with me, even during my troubles. So I lift my eyes to you and say,

Why is my soul, are you downcast? Why am I so disturbed? I put my hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.

Help me, Lord, to put my hope in you and to trust in your goodness and faithfulness, even when my feelings and circumstances pull me down. Fill me with your peace and joy, and remind me of your promises and your love. Help me to praise you in the midst of my trials, knowing that you are with me and that you will never leave me or forsake me.

Thank you, Lord, for your grace and your mercy, and for the hope that you give me through your Son, Jesus Christ. May we praise forever your name, and may my life be a testimony to your greatness and your goodness.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen.

Conclusion:

Having a case of the blues or being down is normal. 

It is at those times we need to turn to God.

If the blues or depression continues to be an issue, seek medical help as depression could be a cause.

Remember, there is hope, and your hope is in God.


Today’s article is from the forthcoming book: “Hope: How to Have Hope During Times of Hardship | The Bible Speaks to Life Issues, Book Three” by Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Ed.D. from Poetry and Prayer Press (c) 2023

How to Become a Christian

Here’s how can know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and be sure heaven is your eternal home. Click the link to read my personal story of accepting Jesus –My Story.

Disclosure: I am an Amazon affiliate. If you purchase using the links in the article I receive a small commission.

Books: Click on BOOKS to see some of the books I’ve written or where I’ve been a contributor.