What gives you hope?
Do you depend on the sea wall to protect you from the storm?
Do you look to your marriage to fulfill your needs?
Do you expect your income to bring you joy?
Do you believe your good health habits guarantee you a long, healthy life?
Do you rely on your retirement funds for a pleasant and secure old age?
Do you ….. ?
Any hope without God is no hope
Remember that you were at that time separate from Christ … having no hope and without God in the world. (Ephesians 2:12)
Any hope outside of God is a false hope
Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help and rely on horses, and trust in chariots because they are many and in horsemen because they are very strong, but they do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek the Lord! (Isaiah 31:1)
The righteous will see and fear, and will laugh at him, saying, “Behold, the man who would not make God his refuge, but trusted in the abundance of his riches and was strong in his evil desire.” (Psalm 52:6–7)
A horse is a false hope for victory;Nor does it deliver anyone by its great strength. (Psalm 33:17)
If riches increase, do not set your heart upon them. (Psalm 62:10)
… the deceitfulness of riches … (Mark 4:19)
Our hope is only in and from God
My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken. On God my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God. 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)
Be responsible and trust God
We are expected to be responsible in this world and follow God’s commands.
If we marry, we are to marry in the Lord.
We are to take care of our bodies and minds.
We are to work and use our income wisely.
We are to be good stewards.
But we are to trust in God and not ourselves.
Monitor yourself
Watch yourself for where you place your hope. If you find yourself hoping in someone or something other than God, confess! Ask the Lord to cleanse you from false hope and strengthen your trust in God, and God alone.
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe. (Proverbs 18:10)
See also Our Hope and Easter Hope
