YOUR HOPE IS IN GOD

Your Hope Is In God

“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.” (Psalms 42:11).

Many people are “down” this time of the year when they should really be happy and optimistic.  We may not even realize why we feel “down”.  “Why are you cast down, O my soul?” (Psalms 42: 11).  It could be because of a loss in our lives, or physical limitations because of health, stress, mental health, or maybe we have lost our purpose in life.  Regardless of the reason, the solution is the same.  “Hope in God”.  It is important to ask yourself why you are having the feelings of being down.  Once you have identified them, then you can begin to get yourself “up” again. Your Countenance is the physical reflection of your face on the spiritual help that God is giving you.

The pace and complexity of life sometimes makes it very difficult to get our mind and spirit where they can find help.  The “hope” you need will come from God if you will follow some spiritual principles others have used.  Hope is not just optimism, although optimism is a great attitude to have.

“Hope” has to come from within your soul.  “And David was greatly distressed; for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.” 

(1 Samuel 30:6).  Speak to yourself words of encouragement and hope.

Read and quote verses to yourself like: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28).  This is not a “pep talk” or the “power of positive thinking”, but the Word of God to your soul.  To renew “hope” in your soul, you must feed it spiritual food.  “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; (Ephesians 5:19-20).  Words are very powerful, because you believe what you say to yourself.

When you are “down”, you need to focus on how good God has been to you and not on how you feel at the moment.  Realize that you are not the only person who is experiencing the feelings of “hopelessness”.  Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ experienced all of the feelings you are experiencing, which allows Him to give you hope.  “For we do not have a high priest who cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted just as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:15-16). 

Your “hope” comes from God.  “And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You.” (Psalms 39:7).

Here are some practical ways to put your Hope in God.  

• Share your true feelings with God, yourself, and with people who understand.  

• Choose to read books, listen to music and TV programs that are positive and that talk about things you are hoping for. 

• Attend Church regularly – The Word of God will encourage you quicker than any other resource, read it!!  

• Get busy helping others that are in greater need than yourself. 

• Visit a nursing home, hospital, or a shut in, and you will see how blessed you are.  

• Choose to accept responsibility for your own recovery rather than waiting for someone else to “fix” you or “make you happy”.

• Finally, remember that our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ has promised you a great future.  This life is not all there is.  There is a reason to live right and follow the Lord Jesus Christ, even when we don’t feel like it.  

We have a lot to be hopeful for.  “The thief (Satan) does not come except to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come so that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10).  “And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die” (John 11:26).  “Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, so that where I am, you may be also. (John 14:1-3). 

The past is over, and the future hasn’t happened yet.  But the future can be very good for those who’s hope is in God.

If you start feeling “down” during the holidays ask yourself this question and follow this advice: 

Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.” (Psalms 42:11).