As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.
Psalm 71:14

Always.

We’re not allowed to use “always” in my house. Usually, always is part of an accusation about something someone did, based in reality, but wildly exaggerated. It is often accompanied by its twin, “never”.  We’re quick to apply the eternality of always and never when we accuse. It gives our allegations a hyperbolic power that our words need to drive our point home:

“You always take the best seat on the couch!”
“You always choose what we watch on TV!”
“You never share your stuff!”

At least, that’s what I yap at my kids from time to time. Perhaps, you are a bit more disciplined than me.

When words are used in extreme poles they can be dismissed. There are so few behaviors that are ALWAYS (or never) practiced. Our lives dictate that, practically speaking, there is never an always. So when we encounter always in the Bible, we’re quick to dismiss it. Even still, the biblical writers use it. They describe God with it — his love, his power, his presence. But, the most troubling way in which it is used is when it accompanies suffering and trial. To be clear, it’s not that suffering will always or never happen. It’s something different. There is a biblical mandate that faithful people follow in which they seem to be able to do something I have not ever been able to replicate.

The author of Psalm 71 writes these words: “…I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.” Always? I guess I have a hard time believing that. I’ve seen bleakness. I’ve seen despair. I’ve known some of it, too. We all have. Hope was there, but I don’t know that I could honestly apply the always-tag to it. The only time I believe in this kind of thing, is when I encounter someone whom I know who is: a) suffering and b) being honest about it. Then, I can hear them talk about hope in trial, joy in suffering, and utilizing the aforementioned everlasting words.

I know such a person. Her name is Bekah. You should read her stuff (everyone should). She’s a brilliant writer. She works on our staff. She, her husband, and their boys are in the midst of a story of trial that she has committed to share. When I talk to her, I find something that can’t be dismissed: a hope in real despair, an authentic crying out for God’s rescue. She understands something I’ve never known. I weep for them. I’m awed by her faith. I believe her when she uses words like always and never.

You can follow her journey here.

See you Sunday,

Jeff