December 4, 2020
Hope Doesn't Depend on Your Circumstances
Isaiah 9:2–7
Martha Canuteson
Central Truth
God has already given us—and promises to continue providing—everything we need, even the details.
Key Verse | Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:2–7
2
1
9:2
Ch 9:1 in Hebrew
The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
on them has light shone.
3
You have multiplied the nation;
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as they are glad when they divide the spoil.
4
For the yoke of his burden,
and the staff for his shoulder,
the rod of his oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
5
For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult
and every garment rolled in blood
will be burned as fuel for the fire.
6
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon
2
9:6
Or is upon
his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
3
9:6
Or is called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7
Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.
Dive Deeper | Isaiah 9:2–7
Hope is a certain human experience. We all hope, long, and pine for something. This season of advent brings a prolonged sense of hope, highlighted by the coming of our King. This passage in Isaiah expands on just that. We have hope in Christ, who has come, and hope furthermore in His return.
When describing hope, it feels positive and reassuring. But when I think of times when I have wanted, struggled, and hoped for something, I was all too often filled with fear and a desire for control. I think we can all relate—we may hope for a family, but try to control our bodies. We hope for a title and recognition, so we work harder and perform, seeking perfection. We hope for peace, so we dig into changing all of the circumstances around us.
Spoiler alert: it doesn't work that way. We cannot faithfully hope in the promises God gives us and meanwhile still try to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps. God doesn't want just half of us (Revelation 3:16).
During a recent difficult season, I came to God daily, and throughout the day I asked Him to remove my suffering. I knew I was being faithful to bring my heart's desires to Him (Matthew 7:7). But I found myself pulling for control, trying to change my circumstances by myself. I begged and prayed, feeling like Joshua marching around the walls of Jericho blowing my trumpet incessantly, but the walls wouldn't fall. After many tears, I realized that God didn't want those walls to fall. He wanted me to need Him, to come to Him in desperate hope for all He has promised.
I knew then that I didn't need my circumstances to change. I have been given every hope in the gift of Christ and the promise of His return. He is my Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.
Discussion Questions
1. What do you find yourself hoping for?
2. Do you feel the yoke of burden or freedom in hope?
3. How can you make room for Christ to be your Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace?