What are you hoping for today? Is it peace? What about the salvation of a loved one? Are you hoping that one day the Lord will give you the desires of your heart? Are you hoping for a windfall of money to come your way? Well, you and I hope for a lot of things. Some things if we are honest are outside of God’s will for our lives. So how do you and I handle “hope”? How do we not get discouraged in the waiting? The answer is not in us receiving the desires of our hearts, but the answer is in Jesus and His word so “Don’t Lose Hope”!
Did you know that the word “hope” is found 142 times in the King James Version? The New International Version mentioned the word “hope” 182 times. Well, what is a biblical definition of the word “hope”? Upon my research for this thought, Bible.org, says, “In Scripture, according to the Hebrew and Greek words translated by the word ‘hope’ and according to the biblical usage, hope is an indication of certainty. ‘Hope’ in Scripture means ‘a strong and confident expectation.’”
What are you expecting? Whatever it is today, God knows! So, you and I must stay focused on Jesus so we “Don’t Lose Hope”. Psalm 39:7 encourages us by saying, “And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you.” Whatever you are hoping for today, put that hope in Jesus and in Him alone.
“Don’t Lose Hope” as you continue to pray for people’s salvation. I know that there are things that you desire in this life, but do not allow those things to consume you or take your focus off Jesus. It is easy for us to give up when we do not see our circumstances change. Be aware that the enemy has a way of shifting what you mean for good into an idol. Remember that Matthew 6:33 says, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”
“Don’t Lose Hope” in God and His word. Psalm 130:5 reminds us, “I am counting on the LORD; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word.”
I know how it feels to be disappointed, discouraged, frustrated, impatient, and at times confused. However, I encourage you to change your perspective. Take your hope off people and your desires. Shift your focus, your hope, and your faith on Jesus because in Him you will never lose hope!
“Don’t Lose Hope” Prayer: Most Gracious Heavenly Father, I come to you repenting of my selfish desires. Lord, I thought my desires were pure and honorable. Unfortunately, they are about me and how I want things NOW! Jesus, help your humble servant to deny all the things that are not in your will. Help us Lord, to honor you with our hope. Help us to live out each part of our lives in a way that pleases you. Lord, we don’t know how to do this! We need your help. We are consumed by discouragement. We are overwhelmed with hopelessness. We lay all our burdens at your feet. Draw us closer to you. Let your desires be our desires. Let your will be our will. We love you, Lord. We cannot live this life without Jesus and Him alone. There is no other name that is worthy except that name JESUS! Lord, help us to be what you have called us to be. In Jesus’ name. Amen.