SEARCHLIGHT
Are you putting your hope in the wrong things?
SCRIPTURE
The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him. Lamentations 3:25 NIV
SPOTLIGHT
The story is recorded of a Portuguese 2,037-ton coastal steamer running aground on an East African sandbar during a storm. The name of the steamer was “Save.” Although the name offered hope, unfortunately, it did not provide the salvation needed by the 53 crewmen, 300 Portuguese troops, and 200 Mozambique Africans. Instead, the opposite occurred. Because of the cargo being transported, many people lost their lives.
The following report was given. “While rescue efforts were being made from the shore, fire broke out on the ship. The fire spread to the stores of ammunition and the whole ship exploded in flames. Many of the passengers jumped into the sea only to be attacked by sharks. Those who did manage to make it to shore were threatened by lions roaring in a mangrove nearby. A hopeless case.” [Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations, #2277]
People easily place their hope in wrong things. All the people mentioned in the above story, who put their hope in the ship, the sea, or the land met with disaster. On the other hand, people who place their hope in God experience the opposite. In the above Scripture focus, Jeremiah, who authored Lamentations, made it crystal clear where you should put your hope. God seekers are people who have hope in God. People who place their hope in God are greatly blessed. Are you a God seeker?
When Jeremiah wrote the book named after himself, he was very clear WHERE NOT TO PUT YOUR HOPE. Jeremiah 14:22 states, “Do any of the worthless idols of the nations bring rain? Do the skies themselves send down showers? No, it is you, Lord our God. Therefore, our hope is in you, for you are the one who does all this.” Putting your hope in idols will not produce life and growth. Neither will placing your hope in the universe. God is your source of what is good. God is your source of all blessings in life.
Throughout the Bible, you are exhorted WHERE NOT TO PUT YOUR HOPE. Don’t place your hope in the following:
- people and the power they hold [Proverbs 11:7],
- a person who thinks he is wise [Proverbs 26:12],
- a smooth-talking person [Proverbs 29:20],
- things that are strong [Psalm 33:17, Job 6:11],
- wealth [1 Timothy 6:17],
- your own life [1 Chronicles 29:15, Job 27:8],
- friends [Job 19:10],
- death bringing an end to your life [Job 17:13,15; 8:13, 1 Thessalonians 4:13], or
- your own personal goodness [Job 4:6].
There is no need to live a life without hope. Three times the Psalmist asked the question, “Why are you downcast? Why are you disturbed?” Each time the answer was the same, “Put your hope in God.” [Psalm 42:5,11; 43:5] You have a bright hope for tomorrow because God is faithful. Your hope for salvation is secure because it is built on Jesus Christ’s blood and righteousness. [Listen to the hymns “Great Is Your Faithfulness” and “The Solid Rock.”]
What is really important in life is not what you are hoping for but what you put your hope in.
Enjoy life here and now by putting your hope in God. Seek Him and you will have hope.
SOMETHING TO DO
Check out all the Scriptures that instruct you where not to put your hope.
SOUL TIME PRAYER
Almighty God, I put my hope in You. You are good. Lord God, I believe all blessings come from you. I choose to seek to know you better each day of my life. Thank you for the hope you will give me for today, tomorrow, and eternity. AMEN