Hope can be an elusive thing sometimes, especially when it is based on circumstances. I find many who have given up hope in these days despite our society being out of the scourge of Covid and all that came along with it. Why do we struggle? For many the day in and day out grind of life can be full of stress. As a coach I find many struggle with patience to make gains, or the routine of training drags. On and on it goes.
Why the lack of hope despite so many good things going on? It’s because we have forgotten how good God is.
What is the foundation of hope?
Anticipating God’s goodness is the foundation of all hope. We can’t have hope unless we believe God is good—and will be good in the future. If God isn’t good, we have no rational, logical reason for hope. One of the Bible’s most famous verses reminds us: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the LORD. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope’” (Jeremiah 29:11). We serve a good God who has only good plans for our lives, even in the midst of whatever it is we are facing.
Psalm 23 reminds us of a number of different benefits of God’s goodness. It shares reasons why people can have hope no matter what is happening in the world around them. The first is, God will meet your needs when you’re worried. David wrote: “The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack”. Because God is good, you don’t need to worry about any of your needs, he’ll meet them for you. Another key point for many is the reminder God will teach you to relax when you’re stressed out. The second verse of Psalm 23 reminds us. “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters”. Doesn’t that sound peaceful? God will lead you to a place of peace. He’ll teach you how to relax when you’re stressed.
Look to God when you are empty
Feeling empty right now? Ready to give up? God will replenish your strength when you’re empty! Our Psalm goes on further to say “He refreshes my soul”. In the midst of all this is going on many are completely out of gas and have been running on fumes. God promises to give you the resilience you need for any trouble you encounter today or tomorrow.
And finally, God will guide you when you’re confused! David writes, “He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake”. Indecision is stressful, but God promises to guide you. You don’t need to worry about tomorrow’s challenges because God will help you with whatever you face. There are a lot more examples of God’s goodness in this Psalm. I’d encourage you to study them today and look to God’s promises to sustain you in turbulent times. Many are trying to find hope in things like their careers, their relationships, or their physiques. Sadly, we’re finding how fragile much of what we put hope in before is. Look to the goodness of God and you’ll experience something that gives a lasting and sustainable hope.
Still having trouble finding hope? Connect with the Fit Pastor and he can help steer you in the right direction!
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