The God of Hope

"Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." Psalm 42:5

The writer of this verse was living in a foreign land. He found himself in a place where the enemies of his life were pressing in and he was facing imprisonment. Yet, in this situation he begins to 'self-talk' and expresses a hope in God.

So what area in your life have you lost hope?

Just like when we go to the doctors let consider a Hope Check-up together:

1. What is your spiritual address? With whom do you spend your time and energy? Do you have a place where God can speak and you gain encouragement? I Peter 2:11 says that we are strangers in this world. This is only temporary!!

2. How is your memory? What faith filled experience have you forgotten in the middle of this "lost hope" situation? Write it down and share it with others... it will build you up and strengthen the reality that God is in control.

3. Have your eyes checked. How is your vision? Have you become short-sighted? Discouragement causes us to look at the situation and forget that God is working behind the scenes and He is not done. He will have the last word!! Hebrews 12:1-3 "Looking to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith..."

4. What is your heart rate? A spiritual EKG: Could it be racing in a panic mode, anxious for the future or are have you released your fears and applied truth and hope in God your everyday life choices. Colossians 3:1-4 We are encouraged to 'set your hearts on things above..."

Philippians 4:4-7 Reminds us "don't be anxious about anything but in prayer make your requests known to God..."

'Hope is putting faith to work when doubting would be easier'

Author Unknown