Connect Psalm 115:2 with Hebrews 11:1 on faith in the unseen. Setting the Scene The Psalms confront real-life questions raised by unbelievers, and the epistle to the Hebrews defines the believer’s response. Psalm 115:2 asks, “Why should the nations say, ‘Where is their God?’”. Hebrews 11:1 replies, “Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see”. Together, these texts present a conversation between doubt and faith. Psalm 115:2 – Voices of Doubt • The “nations” represent every culture that measures reality only by what is visible. • Their taunt—“Where is their God?”—assumes that if God cannot be seen, He must not exist. • The psalm immediately counters in v.3, “Our God is in heaven; He does as He pleases”. His location is unseen, yet His sovereignty is undeniable. Hebrews 11:1 – Confidence in What Is Unseen • Faith provides “assurance” (ὑπόστασις), a rock-solid foundation, not a vague wish. • Faith gives “certainty” (ἔλεγχος) about realities that our eyes cannot verify. • This verse defines the believer’s posture: trusting God’s invisible presence as more real than visible circumstances. Bridging the Two Passages 1. Same Situation ‑ Psalm 115 presents mocking unbelief; Hebrews 11 equips believers to stand firm when that mockery comes. 2. Same God ‑ Psalm: God is in heaven, active though unseen. ‑ Hebrews: God’s actions in creation (v.3) and redemption (vv.4-40) are grasped by faith, not sight. 3. Same Response ‑ Israel answers the nations with worship (Psalm 115:18). ‑ Christians answer the world by living Hebrews 11 lives—offering daily evidence that unseen promises govern visible choices. Supporting Scriptures • 2 Corinthians 5:7 – “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” • John 20:29 – “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” • 1 Peter 1:8 – “Though you have not seen Him, you love Him.” • Romans 8:24-25 – Hope that is seen is not hope; we “wait for it with patience.” Living Out Unseen Faith Today • Hold Scripture as literally true, anchoring every decision to God’s unchanging Word. • Speak confidently about God’s presence, even when culture asks, “Where is your God?” • Invest in eternal priorities—prayer, discipleship, generosity—demonstrating trust in what cannot yet be seen. • Encourage one another with testimonies of God’s invisible yet tangible work in your life, echoing the Hebrews 11 “by faith” pattern. Takeaway Psalm 115:2 identifies the world’s challenge; Hebrews 11:1 supplies God’s answer. Faith is not blind optimism—it is clear-eyed assurance grounded in the character of the God who is unseen yet ever present, active, and sovereign. |
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