To Stretch Like a Rope

"For You are my hope, O Lord God; You are my trust from my youth."
(Psalm 71:5)

I love this powerful declaration of David, "For YOU are my hope, O Lord God!"

The Hebrew word used in this passage for 'hope' is tiqvah (teek-vah) meaning "expectation, something yearned for and anticipated eagerly."

Surely we can all relate to this definition. It gives us greater understanding into our relationship with God. This is a beautiful way to express the yearning in our heart as we wait on Him.

But I found something even better!
Are you ready?

In its most original form, tiqvah (hope) meant "to stretch like a rope."

Do you remember the story of Rahab found in Joshua 2? Joshua sent two men into Jericho to check it out before the Israelites invaded. The men chose to stay in the house of a harlot named Rahab because there would be a lot of traffic in and out of that house (if you know what I mean). But someone told the king of Jericho about their presence in the city and where they were staying. So the king sent men to find the Israeli spies. Rahab hid them because she believed that the God of the Israelites was the One True God.

Imagine that...In His Sovereignty, God led the Israeli spies to the one person in all of Jericho that believed in Him. And I venture to say that He chose someone we would never consider.

Rahab requested that in exchange for her kindness, the spies would protect her and her family during the invasion. She was instructed to "bind this line of scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down."

Rahab followed their instructions and saved herself and her household. As long as they stayed indoors, they were protected by the SCARLET cord - the Tiqvah!

This cord, or rope, was her hope for deliverance during a perilous time.

My goodness. Did you get that?

I said, "This cord, or rope, was her HOPE for deliverance during a perilous time!"

I am reminded of the saying, "When you get to the end of your rope, just hang on!"

Our HOPE in the Lord our God is that rope!
Our HOPE s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-s between our dilemma and the sureness of our Lord
Our HOPE brings us deliverance.
Our HOPE is bathed in the scarlet blood of the One who loves us.

When you are dangling at the end of your rope, look up and see the captivating eyes of your Savior.

Your deliverance draweth nigh.

Father, What a powerful image You have given us. Thank You Lord! Our hope IS in You. Thank You for Your faithfulness, Your patience and Your grace. You are amazing Lord and we love You.