Where is your hope?

"Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again — my Saviour and 6my God!   Psalm 42:5-6. NLT

Are you discouraged and sad today? Why is that? Is there any particular reason for it? Sometimes when God doesn't come up with the goods that we want Him to, it hurts and it disappoints us; we have unmet expectations. This all leads to us falling into depression and sadness. We can become upset and feel let down. But, hold on, when we asked Jesus into our lives, we didn't bargain with Him that we will follow Him as long as He gives us what we want. We didn't did we? No, we were only too pleased and the happiest we have ever been. He never promised that he would give us all we hoped for, did He? No, He just said, 'Follow Me'.

The best way to address the way we feel, is to admit this and look upward towards God. It is hard to deal with something that you don't acknowledge. It is far better to release the pent up feelings to God and tell Him you're 'down in the dumps'. Don't focus on your disappointment, focus on the One who can change this - Jesus. Our scripture today, tells us to 'put our hope in God'. Now this word 'Hope', is not the word that the world uses; it is 'Biblical hope'. It is not wishing, like, 'Oh, I really hope so.' God is not into wishing, He is into good, solid, reliable hope; the type that has confidence built into it. This type of hope is never inferior to faith but, it is an extension of it. So when we biblically hope, we are trusting God 100%.

Therefore, don't be discouraged; what good will that do you? Don't be discouraged, be encouraged. The devil will always turn God's word around. If you say 'Life' he will say 'Death'. Furthermore, everything you believe or say, the devil will twist it into the opposite. This is why RT Kendall says, 'Try to imagine what the devil will do and then, do the opposite.' Of course, this can be difficult at times but, it is worth trying to figure it out.

At the end of the day, if you are going to put into practice what we have been looking at these past couple of days - shouting praise and making a joyful noise to God, you can bet that the devil is not amused and he is going to get you anyway he can. But don't let it stop you praising God or quoting scripture out loud, do it all the more but, remember to put you armour on (Eph 6)

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:

Lord Jesus, I have sinned   

I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.

In Jesus' Name. Amen'

Copyright 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

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