MARCH 4

Hope in God’s Steadfast Love

Bible Reading: Psalm 33

According to a study done by Brown University in October of 2021, “Depression among U.S. adults persisted, and worsened, during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.”  The study found that nearly 33% of US adults experienced elevated depressive symptoms in 2021, compared to only 8.5% before the pandemic.  That’s an alarming statistic!  It’d be fair to say that in these days of uncertainty many people are losing hope.  But you already know this.  You hear the news.  You have friends and family members who’ve expressed their concerns to you about where things are headed–be it the pandemic, the divisiveness, the economy, the increase in crime, the border crisis; or the threat of pending war.  

What is going to make the difference for us?  Remember, hope is an attitude, a way of thinking about things.  The only way we can experience confident hope in uncertain times, is when it is well-founded in our minds and hearts, based within a strong and stable source.

The Psalmist knew where and where not, to set his hope.  Not in the nations.  The counsel of the Lord stands forever, but the Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing.  The ship of history is captained by our sovereign God.  It is on course and will not be deterred from reaching its final destination.  Nations come and go. They have.  They will.  Yet Our Creator God has always been and will always be.  “Though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.”  So we set our hope on Him.

A leader and his people could place their hope in the strength of their military or the wealth of their economy, or the supposed wisdom of their leaders and their plans, but “the King is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength” (Psalm 33:16).  Even “the war horse is a false hope for salvation” (Psalm 33:17)   Though I suppose most of us don’t have one of those!

If we look in any horizontal direction, it can be a struggle to find a valid place to set our hope.  We are sinners.  None of us are perfect.  None of us is able to predict the future, let alone secure it.  Instead, we must look to God for hope.  Note what the Psalmist declares about our Creator!  “All His work is done in faithfulness,” which means we can count on Him to always do what He says (Psalm 33:4).  He will fulfill every promise.  As our powerful Creator, He has the power to secure our future (Psalm 33:6-9).  He is not aloof to our situation, He “looks down from heaven, he sees all the children of men” (Psalm 33:13).  In fact, “the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him” (Psalm 33:18).  That’s why the Psalmist declared, “Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you” (Psalm 33:22).

The words “steadfast love” translate from the Hebrew word, “hesed,” a word which is sometimes translated “lovingkindness” or “mercy.”  The term is rich in meaning and carries with it three different related meanings: “strength,” “steadfastness,” and “love.”  The term was commonly used in the Psalms, and appears twice in this one. The heart of God is for the child of God.  Our Heavenly Father is strong and loyal in His love towards us.  So we set our hope on him (Psalm 33:22).

The story is told of a young man who was aboard ship during a raging storm.  His fellow passengers were full of fear and worry, but he appeared to be at ease and unconcerned.  When asked the reason, he answered, “The captain of the ship was his father, and he knew that his father would take good care of him.” 

A Certain Hope is a Hope set on a Sure Source

Heavenly Father. We praise You as our Creator God, the One who is always faithful to do what You say! How thankful we are that You know all and see all and are Sovereign over all. We are forever grateful for Your strong and loyal love for us! Grant us the wisdom and resolve to fully set our hope on You, and that which You have prepared and secured for us. Amen.

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Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

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