A Life Built On Hope

Forgive me if I sound a little gloomy, but there is little left in this world to hope for. Money, friends, comfort and love are all fleeting. People turn their backs on you. Conditions around us fall short of what we'd hoped.

So what is the point of even trying to have a victorious life? It seems as if it's all meaningless.

Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD. Psalm 31:24

The problem with our attitudes many times is that we're focused on the world around us and not on God's plan. When we see the two inches in front of us, He sees the big picture. While we're worried about the immediate, He's mapped out eternity. During our deepest, darkest hours, the Lord Himself brings hope.

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. Psalm 42:5

Earthly "stuff" is temporary and people's thoughts change from moment to moment. This frustrates us and depresses us immensely, but only when our focus is in the wrong place. Our hearts break and our souls ache, but only when we're looking to the world and not to God.

We suffer disappointment when people say things that hurt us. We write off happiness in our lives because things haven't gone exactly as planned. We may even give up all hope for the future simply because we feel broken and mistreated. We'd like things to happen the way we plan and for people we love to grow in the same ways we are.

But these are momentary feelings, and faith is not built on feelings. Our faith is built on the truth of God's Word - that there is hope for the saved and joy to the believer. That possibility in the face of disappointment and pain can be the jolt needed to change a life.

At the moment of salvation, God plants a seed of hope in our hearts - one that grows and blooms as we learn more about Him and His plans for our lives. This hope is deeply grounded in the faith that we're now bound for bigger and better things through the Lord's grace and mercy. This hope is more powerful and more precious than anything the world can provide.

But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more. Psalm 71:14

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