Where Does Your Hope Lie?

When we are struggling with difficulties in our lives, we often hope for something particular to take place. Depending on what kind of trial we are facing, we might believe that a certain outcome is what we need in order to get over this hurdle.

If it’s medical concern, we might put our hope in a test result. If we are facing financial difficulties, our hope might be in a better job or paycheck.

It’s okay to hope and pray for things in our lives. However, I believe at times we are putting our hope in the wrong place. We are putting our hope in a certain outcome, instead of putting our hope in Almighty God. We are passionate about the end result, instead of being passionate about the One who will get us there. We are focused on what we think is best, and sometimes we put God in a box.

And I believe this adds more stress to the situation. At times we have our fists wrapped so tightly around an outcome, that we lose sight of the Lord and trusting Him.

There is something I try to remember to say each morning when I wake up, which helps me to remember to keep my focus on Jesus, to trust Him, and to wait for Him to move in my life:

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” – Lamentations 3:22-24 (NIV)

Our human eyes and perspectives are very limited. We cannot imagine how God might come through for us. He is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).

If we put our hope in an outcome instead of putting our hope in God, we will get frustrated when our plans don’t work out. He sees the big picture, and He knows what is best. He wants us to trust Him and put our hope in Him. And He wants to use our challenges to draw us closer to Himself. He is our goal.

May we learn to hold our hands open towards Him and say, “Thy will be done.”

Pray with me: Lord, I am so sorry. I can see that I have been placing my hope in the wrong place. When I am uncomfortable and looking for a way out of the mess, I place my hope in the outcomes that I want to see. Help me to place my hope in You and You alone. Help me to keep my eyesight fixed on You. I believe You are going to move in my life in a big way. I don’t want to put You in a box. I want to see what amazing things You have in store. Thank You, Jesus.

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