So that They Should Set Their Hope

Psalm 78 reads, “I will utter (these) sayings from of old, things that we have heard and known, that our ancestors have told us. We will not hide them from our children; we will tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord… so that they should set their hope in God.”

I’m so thankful for those people who handed their faith to me – particularly for my grandfather – who spent time with me when I was a teenager. And I’m sure he wondered whether it made any difference at all – because I wasn’t in the church then. Unfortunately, he died before he saw my faith take hold. But, he was always there to answer my questions, and to share his faith, his beliefs. And I thank God for him.

This psalm reminds me that we all received our faith from someone.  At some point in our lives, someone cared enough about us, to share their faith, their stories, their experience, their way of life. Maybe for you, it was a Sunday school teacher or youth group leader, or mom, grandpa, friend.

Today let us give thanks for those people. And, may we also consider ways of handing it down to the next generation.

Let us pray: Loving God, there is a profound longing in each of us for a life that is deep and meaningful. Thank you for all those people who have loved us and guided us, and helped us find a path. Give us the courage to reach out and help others. In our own seeking, remind us that it is in giving that we receive.  We set our hope in you again this day. Amen.