Where is Your Hope?   
 

by Stephen Rouse

 

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” - David (Psalm 20:7) We live in an increasingly unstable world. Locally, nationally, internationally—there has been much in the news lately to show us just how quickly our stability can crumble. When the things that we lean on begin to crumble, we quickly find out where we are really putting our trust, our hope. As David wrote, “some trust in chariots and some in horses…” There are a host of different things we might put our trust in, or hope for: -- Some hope for a place where all people are accepted and treated equally. -- Some hope for protection from outside terror for themselves and their families. -- Some hope for a place to flee when their home becomes a place of hostility. -- Some hope for leaders who will bring justice and peace to their people and the world. The fact is, if our hope is in any of these things happening in this world, we will often be disappointed, even disillusioned. Jesus Himself said, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). We should pray for our communities, our families, our nations, and the world (1 Timothy 2:1). We should pray for our leaders, and those who would become our leaders (1 Timothy 2:2). But we should not put our hope in any of these things (Psalm 118:8-9). The amazing thing is, God offers all of these things that we might hope for, but in a spiritual way: -- In God’s kingdom, all people are accepted and treated equally as they turn from their ways to God’s ways (Isa 2:2-4). -- In God’s kingdom, we find protection from our great enemy, Satan, who seeks to destroy us eternally (John 17:15; 1 Peter 5:8-9). -- In God’s kingdom, we can find refuge when the whole world might turn against us (John 16:33). -- In God’s kingdom, we have the Creator of the Universe as our leader, who will ultimately bring justice and peace to the world (Luke 18:7; Rom 16:20). Lord, help us to seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness, for in You we have all we need and all we long for. Help us to put our hope completely in You, not in the things of this world, whatever they may be. You alone must be our strength, our shield, and our unshakable hope.     Other Articles by Stephen Rouse The Struggles and Advantages of Being Single How Long? Conversation Control The Blessings and Danger of Humor       For Past Auburn Beacons go to: www.aubeacon.com/Bulletins.htm   Anyone can join the mailing list for the Auburn Beacon! Send your request to: larryrouse@aubeacon.com