“Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice, because I have hoped in your word.” (Psalm 119:74, ESV)

This morning as I was again reading in Psalm 119, I came across this verse. It reminded me of the many years I have spent in church and enjoyed fellowship with others who hoped in God’s Word.

I loved going to church even as a small child. I wouldn’t think of missing. It was comforting, soothing and safe. It was like coming home after a long journey. When I was young, I didn’t understand why I loved it so much. I just knew I did.

I realize now that it was because I got to see people who feared God and hoped in His Word. I think back over the years and remember so many friends, mentors, teachers, prayer warriors, pastors, and children who blessed my heart because they were people who believed The Bible. The Scripture was not only the basis for their faith, but for their convictions, morals, lifestyle, and behavior.

They were not a perfect bunch, but they wanted to exalt the Lord in more than just their songs. They believed God and wanted to live their lives in a way that would honor Him. They hoped in the Word.

The Hebrew word for hope in this verse has the idea of waiting, staying in, resting in. It implies knowing that it is true so you stick with it faithfully. So another way to look at the verse is that the believers who trusted in God’s Word habitually were excited when they saw another believer who was also holding fast to the truth of the Word.

I want to be one of the faithful. I want to cause rejoicing in the fellowship of believers. By hoping in the Word, I can bring joy, comfort, and peace to those that I encounter. I pray that this verse is true of me.