Never Lose Hope

Never Lose Hope:

"Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I shall not be shaken." (Psalm 62:5-6)

It's very common that people allow anxiety to steer the boat of life, however, when it's worry who leads trouble proceeds. Anxiety is the result of attempting to secure your hope on something other than God. Adequate finances, career advances, good grades, and even good health. These are all splendid things, but if these are the anchors of our hope and joy, then we're all going to drown. Hoping in worldly successes leads only to dissatisfaction and discontentment.

"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life." (Proverbs 13:12)

It's not uncommon to become overwhelmingly confused in this fallen world. The aforementioned faulty foundations all depend on circumstances, and we know that what solely depends on circumstances most often results in grievances.

What is it we've learned about circumstantial joy? It's poison to the heart. So if JOY that is dependant upon fleeting circumstances is flawed, then shouldn't it make perfect sense that HOPE built on the same tossing tide of circumstances is just as unsound and unstable as well? With these as our captains, we are bound to shipwreck! Where can we find a strong, solid foundation on which to build our hope?

"I open my mouth and pant, longing for your commands. Turn to me and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name." (Psalm 119:131-132)

The direction of God guides us into meadows of mercy, streams of salvation, and paths of peacefulness. When we long for His gentle shepherding, we are never set up for disappointment. God won't trick us into a state of spiritual starvation. As we long for more of Him, He longs to pour more of His blessings onto us. Even when we turn away from Him, He still pursues us with His all consuming compassion!

"Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." (James 1:16-17)

All blessing flow straight from the pure and blameless heart of God. When we follow on the path He has planned for us, the obedience we exhibit opens the gates to let those living waters come rushing down to heal and set free. Burdens are released. Deceptions come undone. Hope is restored, and redemption is freely received.

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever." (Hebrews 13:8)

This promise, this grand and glorious promise that's come from the God over all, never changes. There are no loopholes that shall sneak up on us and pull the ground out from under us. No. This promise He has given us is secure. The ground on which we stand by it is sure and steady.

The doubts in your mind are of the enemy, and they are pestering you to try and KEEP YOU OUT of this promised land! Don't you see? The enemy wants you to stand on faulty ground that will slip right out from under you and cause you to fall. However, God has a paradise of peace awaiting you, and all you need to do is say yes and step into it.

Follow the Lord's leading, and be filled with His hope that contains no artifices whatsoever. He works for our benefit not for our befall!

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)

He is our Good Shepherd. He leads us into abundance. Wouldn't you think that a life of blessings is abundance? Of course! God doesn't want you living a miserable life. Far from it! He desires for you a life that is jam-packed with His goodness, and overflowing with His marvellous mercy!

"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep." (John 10:10-11)

That's an incredible promise of hope right there! Jesus, our Shepherd, gave His life so that we may live! Not so that we would just survive until our time here is up, but to thrive in Him! To flourish where we are planted - right in His healing streams of mercy. He is renewing our hearts, and filling them with His Spirit.

"And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (Romans 5:3-5)

He has poured hope and unending love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. He is planting this seedling of multitudinous potential in our hearts. When we walk in communion with God, He rains down His replenishing goodness to water, lavishes us in His warm rays of Light, and nourishes that little seedling. Time spent with Him goes on, and now the hope seedling sprouts up and amply prospers to bless not only us, but all those with whom we live our lives.

Hope abounds when God's goodness surrounds. And, remember, God is good at ALL TIMES. So surround yourself with His Presence. Draw near to Him with humble expectation, knowing that He is faithful to provide and guide you. There is nothing He cannot do, and He has given His life to BLESS YOU! He is perfectly blameless, and in Him we find the One True secure foundation on which we build our hope, faith, and trust. Go out in His wondrous peace today.

-The Introverted Evangelist