Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples. For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord. -Psalms 117:1‭-‬2 NIV

Living in a world so full of uncertainty, it is comforting to be reassured that the Lord is faithful to us forever. Can we say the same?

Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. -Psalms 25:4‭-‬5 NIV

The psalmist made quite a statement when he wrote “my hope is in you day long.” Sometimes I find waiting and hoping even a few minutes for something I really want to happen can seem like forever.

I believe God always hears and answers prayer. It’s the “how and when” that I struggle with. The answer to my requests may be yes, a resounding no, or wait and see. But I’m sure that my hope is valid — no matter what the outcome.

When Nicodemus came to Jesus Jesus one night to ask Him questions, he acknowledged that He was a teacher sent from God and cited the miracles He performed as evidence. What was the reply that Jesus gave him? Was it, “you’re wise to see that I am sent from God because of the works that I do?” No. It was: Jesus answered, “I am telling you the truth: no one can see the Kingdom of God without being born again.” -John 3:3 GNT

The Bible makes it clear that we are dead in our trespasses and sins until such time that the Holy Spirit opens are eyes to see the majesty, Glory and loving grace of God.

In the past you were dead because you sinned and fought against God. You followed the ways of this world and obeyed the devil. He rules the world, and his spirit has power over everyone who doesn’t obey God. Once we were also ruled by the selfish desires of our bodies and minds. We had made God angry, and we were going to be punished like everyone else. -Ephesians 2:1‭-‬3 CEV

The life we receive from our human parents is already one that is fallen. You might well say that we are born dead. We are conceived into this fallen race by a fallen people and are by nature children of the “god of this world” (Satan) — unless and until we are redeemed by God through the sacrifical work of His Son on the cross. For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. -John 8:44 NLT