And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.”

‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭30:6‬ ‭

I’ve heard this verse used often as an example that we are supposed to encourage ourselves in the Lord. I’ve heard it said we should walk with God, and He will give the peace that comes with doing His will. Especially in recent days with the whole Corona craziness, I’ve heard a lot of, “Well when Jesus comes, everything will be sorted out” kind of sayings. Though all of that is definitely true, we, as Christians, have another hope besides the hope of Heaven.

David had, as far as he knew, lost his entire family. His men were grieving so badly, they talked about rebelling against David and killing him. How on earth did he encourage himself in the Lord? While no doubt David prayed about the situation and God gave him peace, David knew something else. “Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.”

‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭16:13‬ ‭

David had the promise of eternal life in Heaven when he died, but he had another promise from God. One day, David would be king over all Israel. He knew he wouldn’t die that day, no matter how mad his men would seem. Saul could never kill him, no matter how long the king chased him. Not the Philistines nor any other nation or country could destroy him. David had a promise from God. 

While we are not promised an earthly kingdom, we’ve been given a promise by God as well. 

Last year while at Bible college, I hurt my right arm. Because of how I injured it (scooping ice cream, believe it or not), both the doctor and I didn’t think it was a big deal. Chalked it up to tennis elbow, put it in a brace, and thought the pain would be gone in 6 weeks or so. Unfortunately, it was not that simple. The pain for me became constant and uncomfortable. While talking to a friend during that period of time, I likened it to a very loud alarm that was perpetually going off. It wasn’t debilitating, but it made sleeping harder, eating not that enjoyable, and sometimes , it was all I could hear. Being right-handed, it made schoolwork that much more difficult. I started trying to get more answers as to what it could be, but couldn’t really ever figure it out. Later on I would find out it was a double pinched nerve in my elbow and wrist. Now that doesn’t honestly sound like it would be all that bad. However being at college (more exhausted than normal, nutritionally depleted, not being at home, etc.), as well as the frustration at not being able to figure out the cause made the pain very difficult for me. During this craziness, I was having trouble keeping my attitude right. I knew God was taking care of me, and I could see that in some areas. But sometimes I would just think will this pain ever end?! After a particularly rough day, I came back to my dorm room very discouraged. Kind of at a loss of what to do, I opened my Bible and started reading. God led me to this verse that really answered all my questions.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29:11‬ ‭

 I’ve been given a promise of an expected end. The word “expected” means “hope” or “thing that I long for”. The Hebrew word is translated as such in Job.  

“Oh that I might have my request; and that God would grant me the thing that I long for!”

‭‭Job‬ ‭6:8  ‬ ‭

God promised that He would give me an “expected “ or “longed for” end. 

There is an “expected end” to pain. Some people have lifelong diseases. While their pain will end when they get to Heaven, we do serve a God of miracles. The Healer that cleansed lepers can cure cancer, heal paralysis, and even, ease pinched nerve pain! There’s an “expected end” to pain, whether here on earth or in Heaven.

There’s an “expected end” to grief. 

There’s an “expected end” to anxiousness. 

There’s an “expected end” to the political unrest.

There’s an “expected end” to loneliness. I had a friend ask me a while ago if it bothered me that all my friends were dating and I was not. Being honest, sometimes there is that insecurity that says there won’t be an end to this season in my life. Then I remember I have a promise from God. Does that mean I will get married? Not necessarily. But the “thing that I long for”? The things that every human being longs for? Belonging and mattering? Oh yes, my friend, it’s coming. If not in my own family, then in the work that God is preparing me to do. 

There’s an “expected end” to any situation or season in my life.

I was listening to a sermon Bro. Jack Hyles preached on hope. He was preaching out of Proverbs 13:12 “Hope deferred maketh the heart sick:...”He said that a Christian can’t do anything with a sick heart. So in order to keep the heart healthy, a Christian needs to keep their hope up. Not only our hope of heaven, but our hope that God will take care of His people. My hope doesn’t rest in Trump getting re-elected this year, but in God’s promise. 

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29:11

My hope doesn’t rest in my insurance paying my bills, but in God’s promise. 

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29:11

My hope doesn’t rest in a job, spouse, or any sort of earthly security, but in God’s promise.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29:11