We all need hope. Hope keeps us going and anticipating a future of good.

So where do we place our hope? What is the source of hope?

Lamentations 3:21-24 tells us our hope is based on God’s unceasing steadfast love and His endless mercies as well as recognizing our portion or inheritance is the LORD Himself. It does not mention our circumstances, our wealth or power or even what good we do. It is all based on God and His character.

Psalms 62:5-8 has long been a favorite passage.

5 For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.

6 He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.

7 On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God.

8 Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah – Psalm 62:5-8

This passage show that hope is only found in God and in God alone can our soul find rest. It seems hope is often associated with a feeling of rest, refuge or peace. Thankfully God is the source of both hope and peace which are so very needed in our lives.

I know when I try to figure out life on my own or only look at circumstances and take my eyes off Christ I can quickly lose hope and feel turmoil, stress and lack of peace. I can so related to Peter walking on the water and sinking when he took his eyes off of Christ and put them on the waves.

LORD, help us to focus on You. Enable us to use your character and Holy Word as the lens though which we view the world around us. Only with your empowerment, LORD, can we live in hope, faith and rest because of whose we are not because of the circumstances in our lives. Forgive me/us for fearing the waves more than trusting you.

In Jesus Name,

Amen