Activate Hope – Part II
Thursday, July 30
Activate Hope – Part II
Hope deferred makes the heart sick but desire fulfilled is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12
Consider the question – what are you looking for? When our hope is deffered, what is it you seek? The dictionary defines hope as the act of looking forward with desire and reasonable confidence. I define hope as the belief that tomorrow will be better than today. We also need to be clear on the difference between hope in God and wishful thinking for a better today making sure to stay within God’s parameters. I have often asked God this question, “What can I believe for you in this situation?” I say this because I have lived through the era of the prosperity doctrine and I have seen many people hurt and disillusioned because they did not trust God above all. This all encompasses all things knowing that God has the final word. His way is not our way and often God takes us on a detour to strengthen our faith so that we can receive what He has in store with the right mind set.
How do we get back our hope? The answer is that we should meditate on the Word of God, because ‘faith comes by hearing and hearing from the word of God’ (Romans 10:17). I suggest reading Hebrews 11:6. The first question to ask is “Do I believe that God exists?” Settle the answer to that question in your heart. Then the second question is “Do I understand that both calamities and good things come from God?” Be honest with yourself on that question. And then the final question is “Do you honestly believe that God rewards those who diligently seek him?”
Once we settle those three questions, faith is established in our hearts. That faith allows us to understand ‘Gods providence is His constant care for and absolute rule over all creation for His own glory and the good of His people’ – Jerry Bridges, Trusting God: Even When Life Hurts. ‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope’ (Romans 15:13).
Prayer for today: Father, please would You have compassion on me and help me to believe, so that I, by the power of your Holy Spirit, may abound in hope, based on Your truth and Your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.