January 9, 2016

Hope Always In God

As for me, I will always have hope;
I will praise you more and more.

-- Psalm 71:14

What are you secretly hoping for? You know what I’m talking about. That one thing you’re afraid to ask God for. Not that He can’t do it. Because you know that He can do anything. But what if He says no? Then what?

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, -- Ephesians 3:20

Why are we afraid? Do we think maybe our request isn’t in alignment with His will? Do we feel selfish? Unworthy? Maybe a little bit of it all?

All these questions and where are the answers? On our knees. Being honest with a God who knows about it anyway. He knows us. He loves us. He wants only good things for His children.

His children. We are His children. That’s a scary thought sometimes. Not because of Him but because of the earthly fathers who have left their scars on our souls. Because of the families that are torn apart by greed and jealousy and hurts that can never be healed without His direct intervention.

And we are afraid to ask Him to heal our deepest hurts. To provide our secret desires. To make a way when no way seems possible. All around us the world says there’s just no way. Who are we to believe?

We are God’s children. We have a hope that is not of this world. We have a Father who created the world. He is greater than any enemy you could ever face. He can do anything and He wants good things for His children. Hold on to that.

Go boldly before His throne. Fall down on your knees with praise and thanksgiving. Present your requests to God. Let His peace surround you. Bathe yourself in His love. And hold on tightly to hope that can only be found in Him. (Philippians 4:6-7)