Up to this point Edwards has made his case philosophically and well, because what he has postulated so far is logical and easily observed and understood. Now, in Section II, part IV, Edwards prepares to unload a torrent of Scriptures to build his case biblically. (238)
First, he states, without citation (because it is too numerous), that the character of those who are truly religious consists very much of a reverent fear of God. "The fear of God" is true holiness. (238)
Next, he brings up hope. He says, as seen in 1 Cor. 13:13, that hope is one of the ingredients of true religion. (238) Ps. 146:5 tells that happiness is the reward for those whose hope rests in the Lord. (See also Jer.17:7) Ps. 31:24 promises that hope in the Lord, rooted in good courage, results in our hearts being strengthened by God.
Our hearts definitely need strengthening right now. If it wouldn't actually cost us a great deal of money and it wouldn't throw Coffee Haus into a tailspin, it is likely that we would have already moved back to America. Our circumstances have dictated our attitudes, instead of considering all these trials as pure joy. Of course, that is easier said than done. I am very thankful, however, that despite the trying times our family life is growing in the Lord, that it is enjoyable, and fruitful.
Edwards notes that the Scriptures, actually fuse a reverent fear of God together with hope in the Lord, resulting in "the character of the true saints." (Ps. 33:28; Ps 147:11) (239) The basis for this saintly character does not lay solely in the OT. Paul also says "in this hope we were saved." (Ro. 8:24) He says the saint's armor should consist of a helmet which is the hope of salvation - 1 Thess. 5:8. Hope is also the anchor that prevents us from being tossed around - Heb. 6:19. Christ's resurrection and victory of sin and death is the source of our hope - 1 Pet. 1:3.
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I lose sight of hope from time to time. You're right, of course.
We should be hoping. No matter where we are on earth, there will be some dissatisfaction and disappointment if we aren't hoping in God.
I think you hit on something last night about us needing to adjust our expectations to more of a service role. Not that we'll never do anything front lines, but I think if we see ourselves that way, it will lessen our personal pressure to *DO SOMETHING* Kingdom-wise, and just be satisfied with where God has us now. Surely we can make it another 22 months, right? :)
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