One thing I have learnt is the importance of keeping our hopes alive. The definition of hope is a feeling of expectation and desire for a particular thing to happen. It entails a desire, expectation ambition, aim and dream.
However when we know God hope is even better because it’s not just having a wish or a desire, but a settled confidence in God and His promises. Instead of just hoping for something, our hope is in someone, and God is that someone who loves, cares and always wants the very best for us.
This hope is not based on our own abilities or the good will of the universe, but in God who has the power to accomplish all things, including the seemingly impossible.
This type of hope the bible says, will never allow us to be put to shame. Even when we may feel that all hope is lost, or the world around us is saying,“give up”, God declares that He is faithful to His Word and to remain steadfast in our believing, knowing that all things are possible for those who believe.”
The bible says, “No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced…Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you”. (Psalm 25: 3-5)
However as we all know our hope can often be put under pressure and even attacked. One of hopes biggest enemies is having to wait for things to happen, which is why waiting can erode away at our confidence as the days, weeks, months and sometimes years pass by. It’s especially in waiting that our hope has to be strengthened, nourished and energised for it to remain and work at it’s best. It doesn’t just happen, and we do need to make an effort to cultivate and maintain our hope.
In the midst of waiting I’ve discovered that God doesn’t view time the way we do, and as much as we hate to hear it,“God is quite often simply not in a hurry.”
The bible says, “do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:8-9)
That is why it is so important to continually stir up and fuel our hope; that we draw close to God and check that what we are believing for is in agreement with His Word and will for our lives; that we continue to meditate on His promises, and to regularly connect with others who know God and His ways, and who will encourage us to keep hoping and believing.
Today take the time to strengthen your hope in God, and what you are believing and hoping for. “Don’t give up, and “don’t become weary in doing good, for at the proper time you will reap a harvest if you do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9). Keep your eyes upon Jesus who is the author and finisher of your faith, upon your goals and dreams; remembering everyday that God is good and He always has your best interests in mind. Focus your eyes upon Him and keep your hope alive.
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfector of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)
“Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” (Mark 10:27)
“The LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.” (Psalm 147:11)
Prayer: Lord help me to keep my hopes alive, and to remain hopeful even when I have to wait, or when others say it is impossible. Today I choose to keep believing for good things because you are the one I put my hope in. In Jesus name Amen.
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