There is a promise to hope anchored in God

And his name will be the hope of all the world.”

Matthew 12:21 New Living Translation

It’s understandable for the wicked to be afraid. They have good reason to lie awake starring at the darkened ceiling of their bedroom after watching the late news on television. Theirs is a troubled and troubling future. And the tragedy of their fears is that, according to Proverbs 10:24, those fears will be fulfilled!

But for the believer who walks with God and has put her hope in God (Psalm 25:5), that hope gets granted.

It’s really quite a contrast.

At the fundamental level, this isn’t favoritism on God’s part. He’d love to fulfill the hopes of everyone. The Christmas carol proclaims “the hopes and fears of all the years are met in Thee tonight.” That’s God’s heart and intentions. And He has the wherewithal to fulfill hope in every person’s life.

Listen to David here: “Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone.”
Psalm 33:22  There appears to be little room for hope in political leaders, in ascending stock values, in the promises of TV commercials or in the Chicago Cubs ever winning the World Series.

Proverbs 11:7 says, “When the wicked die, their hopes die with them, for they rely on their own feeble strength.”  The ability to hope is everyone’s gift from God. But the object of our hope spells the difference between hope ultimately dying or hope that can go the distance because it’s anchored in the integrity of God.

So this week, what are you going to do with those things you are hoping for? Romans 12:12 gives us direction here. “Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.”

It’s a simple struggle but so worth it. Keep buoyant … stay confident … be patient … and keep praying!

May you experience wonderful joy on your journey!

Paul Walterman

 By the Way … have you seen my blogs on prayer and family at freshheartministries.org? It’s worth a visit.