Where Does Your Hope Lie?

Isaiah 55:2
“Why spend your money on something that is not real food? Why work for something that doesn’t really satisfy you? Listen closely to Me, and you will eat what is good; your soul will enjoy the rich food that satisfies.”

We all experience hurt when someone lets us down. We feel dissatisfied when a situation doesn’t turn out like we’d hoped.

In those moments, ask yourself this question, “Is what I’m feeling right now the result (the fruit) of a heart whose hope is placed in God?”

If not, could it be that the reason why we hurt is because we are placing our hope in the wrong thing? We are relying on that person, even spouses, to satisfy us, complete us, and to meet our needs. We are trusting in our situation to change so that we will finally have peace of mind.

Could it be that we are demanding from that person or situation something that they were never created to provide for us?

So, what does it look like to place our hope in God alone? Does it mean that people will never hurt us again? No, but it means that we can now be free to love them and forgive them, knowing that only God alone can satisfy us and meet our deepest needs. Does it mean that nothing bad will ever happen to us? No, but it means that in spite of our circumstances, no matter how bad, we can have peace, because we know that God is our provider.

In all honesty, what are those things that we are placing our hope in, and why? Why are we trusting sinners to satisfy us in a way that only God can? Why are we allowing circumstances, which can and do constantly change, to hold the fate of our very happiness?

God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him. And it’s only when we learn to fully place our hope in God, who can change sinners and make all circumstances work together for our good, that we will finally find true joy.

Psalm 63: “God, You are my God. I search for You. I thirst for You like someone in a dry, empty land where there is no water. I have seen You in the sanctuary and have seen Your strength and glory. Because Your love is better than life, I will praise You.”

Jesus Prays for You

"I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Your’s."  John 17:9

How would you feel right now if you knew that Jesus was in the next room praying for you? Would you have more peace? Would you have more confidence?

Well, according to scripture, Jesus is at the right hand of the Father, and He is praying for you right now.

Romans 8:34 says, “Christ Jesus is the one who died--more than that, who was raised--who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.” 

Just before that, 8:26-27 says, “the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. (I love that) And He who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”

When Peter started arrogantly boasting about how great he was, Jesus told him, "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail…." (Luke 22:31-32).

Even though Peter denied Christ three times, his faith never failed. Ultimately, he found grace and restoration in Jesus and became the leader of the early Church.

Isn't it awesome to know that if Satan is out to get you, Jesus is praying for you?

That should give you tremendous peace and confidence in Him, knowing that He's mentioning your name in prayer before the Father at this very moment.