TODAY IS…

the day to put your hope in God.

“And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in You.”  Psalm 39:7 NLT

David began his walk through this life as a shepherd.

He also ended his walk through this life as a shepherd, for after displaying talents as a musician and a poet, David went on to become a soldier and eventually became the greatest king that Israel has ever known. As the leader of his people he was, in essence, still a shepherd.

Throughout history, many leaders in the world have proven themselves to be narcissistic individuals who depend solely on their own abilities to lead, and rely on no one but themselves, but David knew that his time on earth was temporary and any success he had was due to his faith in the Lord. He also knew that his hope for the future came not from his own abilities, but was a gift from God.

Each one of us shares the same level of importance in the eyes of God, and each one of us would do well to follow David’s example and acknowledge that we must put our hope in God as well.

Paul tells us what we can expect when we follow David’s example. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13 NIV).

Placing our hope in God is not a passive act, however. As Paul points out in his letter to Timothy speaking about our quest for godliness, he said, “For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.” (1 Timothy 4:10 NASB).

The Lord promises us that no matter what our circumstances, we can place our hope in Him. When we actively trust in God and seek to do His will, we will learn that any pain we have endured, and any troubles we have experienced, will not have been endured or experienced in vain. When we place our hope in God, we are taking the first, and most important, step in a walk of joy and peace. Even if we have drifted off of that path we can return and be welcomed back with God’s open, loving arms.

“Come back to the place of safety, all you prisoners who still have hope! I promise this very day that I will repay two blessings for each of your troubles.” (Zechariah 9:12 NLT).

Now – just think of all of the troubles you have had in your life. Can you imagine how blessed you will be when you put your hope where it belongs?

Make today the day you put your hope in God.

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Taken from “TODAY IS….A Gift From God”, (C) 2013 Tony Casson