HOPE IN GOD’S WORD: NOT WISHFUL THINKING
Hope is an interesting word. People may sometimes say they hope something will happen when what they mean is they wish it will happen. The hope we find in the Bible is not wishful thinking but a sure and steadfast hope that will never disappoint. The future of all who trust in Christ is already settled. So, our hope is a looking forward to what God (who cannot lie) has promised.
You are my shelter and my shield; I put my hope in your word. (Psalm 119:114)
I am thankful that God’s Word is my hope
May I hide it in my heart
I am thankful for His many blessings
Daily He provides what we need
I am thankful that God is my hiding place
In Him I am safe from my enemies
I am thankful for the peace that only God can give
My hope is true, and I will follow Him
I am thankful for hope through God’s wonders and His Word
His promises are true and His love never fails
TRUSTWORTHY AND PURE
Many people today do not trust in God, so His words mean nothing to them. The Bible is looked at as a book of myths or rules or fairy tales but not God’s Living Word. I have found it to be a very trustworthy and helpful source of comfort and peace. It makes me sad when people turn away. They don’t realize that it has words of hope and healing. My prayer is that many will come back to the truth found in the Bible.
My eyes pour out streams of tears because people do not follow your instruction.
The decrees you issue are righteous and altogether trustworthy. (Psalm 119:136,138)
My anger overwhelms me because my foes forget your words.
Your word is completely pure, and your servant loves it. (Psalm 119:139-140)
I am thankful God’s Word never fails
Forever it will stand
I am thankful His Word guides and lights the way
He doesn’t leave us without direction
I am thankful God is with me through the darkest times.
Even when all hope seems gone, He is still there.
I am thankful for His mercy
When people don’t acknowledge and obey Him I am sad
I am thankful for the true freedom that God gives
May I be a light pointing to Him
HOPE IN GOD’S WORD: A SURE GUIDE
Through the years I have seen God’s faithfulness in my life. The Bible has been my guide and has not let me down. In it I find the way of truth and wisdom. I don’t need to experience all that’s available in the world to know there is good and evil. The Bible has enough real-life stories to point out what is right and what is wrong. I know I am weak, but I also know that God gives me strength, wisdom and courage to face whatever comes my way. God will help me stand firm in what is true. Though I sin, even unknowingly sometimes, I know that I have forgiveness in Him.
Make my steps steady through your promise; don’t let any sin dominate me. (Psalm 119:133)
I am thankful that God’s Words are true
Forever He is faithful
I am thankful for the Holy Spirit’s guidance
He gives me strength
I am thankful for God’s forgiveness and grace
He puts me back on the right path
I am thankful God’s promises are firm
His Word is a treasure
I am thankful that God is my portion
I will ever praise Him
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS
Jesus was the sacrifice where love and justice met. Now He lives, and we are set free from a life of bondage to sin. In following Him I have found true freedom which brings happiness, peace and joy. Sure, I have my share of troubles, but God has always been faithful to me. I have no reason to doubt that He will continue to lead and go with me through this journey of life to the end of this world and beyond. That is the sure hope I hold in my heart.
But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us,
(Ephesians 2:4-10)
made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses.
You are saved by grace! He also raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might display the immeasurable riches of his grace
through his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For you are saved by grace through faith,
and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift— not from works, so that no one can boast.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works,
which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.
I am linking up with Lisa Burgess and #oneword2022 and #InspireMeMonday.
Dear Gayl,
I love this definition that you shared of true hope:
“our hope is a looking forward to what God (who cannot lie) has promised.”
Your thankful poetry is such an encouragement to do just that in our day to day living. When we have that kind of hope, our hearts really are more thankful. Blessings, love, and hugs to you dear friend!
Thank you, Bettie! We really can trust God, because we know He is faithful and true. I’m glad my thankful poetry was also encouraging to you. You are right – when we have that kind of hope, we are more thankful and more at peace, too. Blessings, love and hugs to you, too, my dear friend! xoxo
I love how you defined HOPE ❤️
Thanks, Barb! It’s really true because He cannot lie. 🙂 Blessings to you!
Amen, Gayl‼️ God’s Word is true. The Lord is always faithful, in good times and in bad times. I am so grateful for His great love and mercy. My prayer is that all my loved ones will see the truth of His Word, and that His love will become a reality to them, so they too may experience His love and joy. God bless you, Gayl🙏💖‼️
Yes, His Word is true and God has always been faithful. I will join you in your prayer that all our loved ones will see the truth and experience His love, joy and true freedom. Blessings to you, Terry! xo
Thank you, Gayl❗,
Thank you for your prayers, kind words, and your friendship❗May God bless you always❗
Love & prayers🙏💖❗,
Terry xxoo
Blessings to you, dear Terry!
Amen. I find comfort in knowing my hope is found in Him. 🙂
He is our only true Hope! Blessings to you, Melissa!
Stopped by from IMM
Thanks, Barb! Blessings to you!
Gayl, I so appreciated this post as just yesterday I had a conversation in which I remarked hope is not the same as positive thinking or looking on the bright side. Our hope is fixed on God, whose word is sure and fixed; whose character is faithful and loving and right and just. Grateful to read your post this morning.
Thank you, Joanne. Isn’t it cool how God just affirms our trust in Him through sharing with others? I love how He gives us just what we need to encourage us. I’m glad you were encouraged today. Blessings to you, dear Joanne!
I’m glad the hope we have in God is certain! And I love all the reason for thankfulness you identify here!
Yes, we can trust our great God! I’m glad you enjoyed the reasons to be thankful. Blessings to you, Lesley!
Amen Gayl, I indeed am thankful too, what a good good Father we have. I love how you defined hope.
Visiting today from IMM #23
Thank you, Paula! Yes, He is a good Father, worthy of our trust and praise. Blessings to you!
I like how you differentiate the meanings of hope. We can use it so flippantly at times, yet it can also be a strong reflection of our faith. Lots of great verses here. Thanks for linking up, Gayl!!!
Thank you, Lisa! When I chose the word, hope, I had no idea how much I could get out of it. And I’m sure I’ve not exhausted it yet, either. Blessings to you!
I’m so thankful the Giver of Life is trustworthy, Gayl! He is truly our Hope.
Yes, trustworthy and faithful! Blessings to you, Lisa!
I am thankful that God’s word is a sure guide for me and will always be. Thank you Gayl.
Me, too, Ufuoma! I don’t know what I’d do without it. Blessings to you!
Hope is so much more than wishful or even positive thinking, it is looking to Jesus.
Yes, so much more than wishful thinking. It’s a sure hope in Jesus. Blessings to you, Rebecca!
I love how you’ve shared that ‘hope’ means so much more for Christians. And our lives must always reflect this hope and the joy that we derive from it.
Wishing you well on this hopefilled journey, Gayl.
Hope has been such a good word for me this year. I am learning to see it everyday, and yes, it does mean so much more for Christians. Blessings to you, Corinne!