The Source of Hope for a Nation
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The Source of Hope for a Nation
Hope is only as strong as its source.
I recently encountered these words while praying about widespread hopelessness in our nation and across the globe. The impactful statement made me reassess the true foundation of my hope. So, let’s begin by delving into the meaning of hope.
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Hope, as defined in the dictionary, is a feeling of expectation, a desire, or a wish that something will happen. However, the Bible defines hope a little differently. It describes hope as an expectation with a certainty that God will do what He said He would do. There is a difference. One is based on feelings, while the other is based on the Word of God or what He said He would do.
One is a wish, while the other is a guarantee from a God who cannot lie.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen (Heb 11:1).
The word substance in this verse means the foundation or what you place your hope on. Faith is the foundation of what we hope will happen. But what is the foundation of our faith?
This passage illustrates that genuine hope based on the Bible relies on faith. Our faith must have a solid foundation. In other words, we don’t have faith in our faith, but in God alone. The crucial point is the focus of our faith and hope, and that is what makes the real difference.
So, what is the difference? It is God and His Word.
If our hope is based on anything but God and His Word, it is not biblical hope; it reverts to a wish-it-would-happen kind of hope based on feelings at that moment in time.
Many people in our nation today place their hope in a political party. While I understand the importance of who leads our country, we must ask this question: If our hope is in a political party, is that political party strong enough to sustain our hope? Is it solid enough to build all our hope on? Is it sure and steadfast, immovable? Can it be fully trusted without question or doubt?
Others have their hope in a particular presidential candidate. Is that candidate strong enough to place your hope on? Are they infallible? Are they a solid rock on which you can stand?
If our faith is in anything but the Word of God, it can fail. Yes, God uses people to bring His will to pass on earth, but we must be diligent to keep our faith and hope in Him alone.
Matthew 7:24-27 teaches us a valuable lesson. If we build our house or hope on anything other than God and His Word, it is built on sinking sand. When storms come, and they will, it will not stand.
“Therefore, whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.
“But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, and it fell. And great was its fall.”
Everything that can be shaken is being shaken in this hour. It is more important than ever to keep our hope founded on the Word of God and His promises. It must be our only source, our only foundation. Nothing else will stand in this hour. While hope in this hour may sound impossible, it is not – with God, all things are possible. How do we keep our hope grounded in the right source? How do we remain hopeful in such a challenging season?
Here are some keys to empower you to establish your hope in God and His Word.
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Rom 15:13)
Remember this scripture: It is God alone who fills us with true hope. This scripture says He will cause us to abound in hope. This is an awesome promise. Can you imagine being so hopeful that nothing around you moves you? Nothing you hear on the news causes you to fear or become disturbed? As we keep our eyes and hearts fixed on God, our hope will thrive. After all, He is the God of hope.
Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Rom 5:5)
Our hope is based on the truth of God’s love for us. We can trust in His promises entirely and without hesitation. Romans 5:5 speaks of hope in God alone – only He cannot disappoint because only He cannot fail.
Psalm 22:5 in the Amplified Bible confirms this promise.
They cried to You and were delivered; they trusted in, leaned on, and confidently relied on You, and were not ashamed or confounded or disappointed.
Praise is a key to keeping your hope in God immovable.
Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, for the help of His countenance. (Ps 42:5)
Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer. (Rom 12:12)
When our hope is anchored in God alone, we won’t be shaken by circumstances. Instead, we will keep praising God no matter what we see or feel. Praise helps to keep our hope in God strong and unwavering.
From this moment on, may we remember that hope is only as strong as its source, and may we always allow our hope to rest in God alone. For He and His Word alone is our source.
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Kim Potter is the author of Deeper Still, a 90-day devotional on a deeper relationship with God. She is also the founder of A New Thing Ministries, which sends a daily teaching to thousands of people all around the world. Her articles have appeared on The Elijah List, in Charisma Magazine, and on Spirit Fuel and iBelieve.com. Kim’s message is one of hope. She speaks to the hearts of those who have grown discouraged or disappointed by the circumstances of life, to impart hope. To order her new book or receive her daily encouraging writings, visit her website at www.anewthingministries.com. Photo Credit:
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Comments
Father, as we Cry for Freedom and Deliverance, our Hope is placed upon You. Psalm 119-45 says I will walk about in Freedom, for I have sought out your words of precepts. God’s Word reveals clearly that the Lord wants people set free. Jesus did announce His mission, which is that He came to liberate the bruised and abused. Freedom is the cry in the heart of humanity, but the devils is the one who places the spirit of bondage inside of people and incites them to enslave others with his lies and fear tactics. Satan is the one who raises up dictatorial leaders and tyrants who for personal gain choke our liberty. Jesus gave us authority to demand deliverance from all of the evil actions. I (we) decree that freedom and liberty marks this land called America and must be kept that way walking with God and praying against strongholds that has put bondage and a stranglehold on our nation. “We bind the spirit of the dictator and tyrant, in Jesus name. Matt: 18:18- “Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” We can break the advance of socialists, communists in America if we do what God gives us tools to work with the(Bible). We decree no laws shall be implemented that restrict Americans, Christians from following our Savior blessings. We declare that more Christians will get involved with a relationship with our Heavenly Father. In Luke 4-18 says ” The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He hath anointed me—-” My prayer is more Christians will get closer to God by reading His Words and praying the Scriptures. This is where I learned the Decrees and Declarations using Jesus authority His Will Be Done. I agree with Kim that our Hope is built upon God. Precious Jesus I do so appreciate Your Words, I have fell in Love all over again with the understanding of Your Words.
If my People will humble themselves and Pray ; seek my face and turn from their wicked ways,
then I will for forgive their sins, and Heal their Land,
I pray for a great coming together, and great prayer movements–I currently fast every day
(giving up one thing) and repent for the sins of this Nation, and all of our apathy and fears.
Also taking Communion each Day, I am doing this as my part for Revival –I know others are
doing this also–one whole state did this. Many Fasting and Praying will fill those bowels in
Heaven. Praise God.
Thank you Kim for this reminder. God is our hope and we cling to that!
Hope is only found in God and His Word….. Amen Kim Potter, Amen!
In the still dark hours of this morning, I was aware of these words, unspoken but heard……”I know the plans I have for you…..” I read Jeremiah 29 when I awoke and was led to this message again.
God spoke to Jeremiah and did so addressing Himself as Adonai-Tzva’ot, the God of Isra’el. He said:
-Do not let your prophets and diviners who are in your midst deceive you. They prophesy falsely to you in My name; I have not sent them.
-When you call to me and pray to me, I will listen
-When you seek me, you will find me…if wholeheartedly
-Very bad things would happen to the people who did not go into exile because they did not paid attention to “MY words”, which I sent to them through my servants the prophets. I sent them frequently, but they refused to listen
-Shemaiah prophesied lies that the people believed. “I did not send him.” He lost everything because he preached rebellion against the Lord.
Dear Lord and God Almighty, thank You for putting this eloquent message into Kim’s thinking and sharing. We need hope today but not at the expense of truth. I believe her message. I believe You will continue to extend Your Word of hope to us as we call to You in prayer, as we seek You wholeheartedly and obey. You are Adonai-Tzva’ot, The Commander of All Armies, The Lord of Hosts, The Almighty God who gave us all in Jesus…who teaches us all in Holy Spirit Counsel…who has plans for each and every one who places their hope in Your Word. I do. Thank You Lord. Amen
This is a very encouraging article, Kim. I read many of your encouraging articles on the Elijah List. We need to be reminded, that if we have Jesus, we have everything that we need. He is our all in all. He provides for ALL our need, according to His riches in Glory. Trusting in mere mortals isa trap set by the enemy. Mere mortals will let us down, but He NEVER lets us down! Thank you, Jesus.
DER LORD I KNOW THAT THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA HAS NOT BEHAVED ACCORDING TO YOUR WORD, BUT NONE THE LESS I ASKTHET YOU PARE US TYRANNY AND MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR US, AS A COUNTRY, TO MAKE AMENDSAND RECOVER THE POSSITION YOUORIGINALLY GAVE US AT OUR FOUNDING.
I ASK IN JESUS’ NAME
AMEN
We cannot make amends. But we can repent and follow His word.
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
(Edward Mote)
Beautiful song and affirmation….Amen, Bill may God bless You richly.
Kim, my heart soars to read this wonderful exhortation! Thank you. I wholeheartedly echo your teaching. We have but ONE HOPE and it is He who is the Lion and the Lamb. No king but Jesus!
Yes, Kim, we must place our hope in YHVH alone, because nothing and no one else is worthy. Psa. 42:5 is one of my favorite verses, especially after learning the meaning of “cast down”, a shepherd’s term. A “cast down” sheep is one that has somehow rolled onto it’s back, and cannot right itself. It will literally frighten itself to death, thrashing and bleating. So I picture that predicament, and myself as the sheep. I recognize the need to calm myself, and cry out to Shepherd who alone can set me on my feet again.
Thank You, Lord for being the sure and solid foundation for our hope!
AWESOME!!! Thank you for reminding us. The devil has been SO busy trying to sidetrack everyone and this just reminds us that even when we feel attacked, God is on the THRONE and we are not alone or done. 2Corinthians 4:8 and 9 says “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed. Knowing that, we can stand on his promises which the bible is full of and knowing the scripture (Numbers 23:19) God is not a man that he should lie, neither the Son of Man that he should repent, has he not spoken it, and will he not do it, has he not said it and will he not make it right we know his word is real, his faithfulness is unending and his promises are SURE.
Beautiful! Uplifting! Thank you