Hope is a Person

David asked a great question, and it’s a great one for you. Where do you put your hope? 

Hope is one of those words (like love) where our culture has diluted its meaning. It now has to do with wishes, wants and desires—things which may or may not happen. 

“I hope the Cubs win.”  

“I hope the pizza guy gets here on time.” 

“I hope things get better.”

And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you.

─ Psalm 39:7 NLT

That makes sense if your hope is based upon the character and nature of someone (or something) other than God. That kind of hope is nothing more than wishful thinking. 

But when you put your hope in God, hope is much greater than a wish. Consider “God is not like people, who lie; He is not a human who changes his mind. Whatever He promises, He does; He speaks, and it is done” (Numbers 23:19 GNT). 

“I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it” (Isaiah 46:11 ESV).

Whatever He promises, speaks and purposes is done. And when you have that kind of consistence and trustworthiness, you have a sure hope; a hope that does not disappoint (Romans 5:1-5).

Hope is driven by the love of God through the Holy Spirit, allowing you to push past the tribulation into His glory.

Your hope is not driven by wishful thinking or possibility. If so, it would fail at the first sign of trouble. Rather, hope is driven by the love of God through the Holy Spirit, allowing you to push past the tribulation into His glory.  

God’s character ensures, empowers, enlivens and enflames your hope. But hope is much more personal than an attribute, trait or motivation.   

Hope is a person. 

“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the commandment of God our Savior, and of Christ Jesus, who is our hope” (1 Timothy 1:1 ESV). 

David answers his own question in the next sentence. “And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My hope is in You.”  

Today’s One Thing

Don’t let your hope be wishful thinking or possibility thinking. Instead, go to the Bible and look for God’s words about the very thing you are struggling with. See what His Word has to say about it. Write down two or three things you find and take them to prayer. In that time with God, share with Him how you believe His Word and will trust Him to work out the details.

Go Deeper

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