Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. Isaiah 45:22
Where are you looking? In this life, we may put our hope in a lot of different things and a lot of different people. Where is your hope?
Just look at the world around you and you can see where people are putting their faith. They try to accumulate wealth to be self-sufficient and not need from anyone, even God. Some put their hope in their health and youth, trying to control how they eat, sleep, and exercise to prolong their lives, until they realize they have little control over what happens. There are some who are motivated by pleasure and experience, seeking only the next best meal, drink, thrill, or self-indulgent behavior, ultimately leading to their own self demise if they do not realize the path they are on. Remember, none of these activities in their proper place are bad, in and of themselves, but when it is your source of purpose and hope for why you are here, it then becomes an idol.
All people will disappoint you sooner or later. Either because they are sinners and don’t do what they promised you, or because your expectations are unrealistic. Every politician may fit in this category, as they make promise after promise we want to hear during their run for election, and then are unable to deliver on everything. When we are young children, we think our parents are the best people ever, then as we mature, we realize they have some flaws, just like everyone else, even if they still love us. For various reasons we may let down others as well, even if we justify our actions in our own minds. Even God may disappoint us when he doesn’t come through in the way we expect Him to act. When our prayers go unanswered, something doesn’t turn out how we wanted, or we experience a series of unfortunate events, we question whether he hears us, or cares about us.
Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. Psalm 62:5-6
So, wherever you turn for meaning and purpose in this life, remember if it is on anything or anyone other than God, sooner or later you will be disappointed. There are many things that will disappoint us in this life and eventually we will learn that most things are fleeting, including this life. Stand on the promises that God makes and take hope in him. Share with others this truth found in Christ alone. He is our hope.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2
Strength and Courage in Christ,
Clark
