Traveling Light: Day Five
Day 5: Hoping in the Lord
Devotional
Hope is the anchor that steadies us in life's storms. But not all hope is created equal. The world offers flimsy hopes—in circumstances, relationships, achievements, or possessions. These hopes rise and fall with changing tides, leaving us vulnerable to disappointment and despair. Biblical hope is different. It's not wishful thinking or crossing our fingers. It's a confident assurance based on God's character and promises. This hope doesn't fluctuate with circumstances because it's anchored in something—Someone—unchanging. David concludes Psalm 131 with this invitation: "Israel, put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore." This isn't a one-time decision but a daily posture of the heart. It's choosing, again and again, to anchor our expectations in God rather than in the shifting sands of our circumstances. The prophet Isaiah describes God as one who "lives in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit." The God who is transcendent chooses to dwell with the humble. Pride pushes God away, but humility invites His presence. And in His presence, we find the rest our souls desperately crave. Today, examine where you've placed your hope. Are you looking to a new job, relationship, achievement, or purchase to satisfy your soul's deepest longings? These things may bring temporary pleasure, but they cannot provide lasting peace. Only in hoping in the Lord—both now and forevermore—will you find the unshakable anchor your heart needs.
For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:
“I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit,
to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite. - Isaiah 57:15
Reflection Question
What temporary sources of hope might you need to release in order to more fully anchor your expectations in God's unchanging character and promises?
"Biblical hope is not wishful thinking. It's not crossing your fingers and saying, I sure hope this works out.
No, biblical hope is a confident assurance of what is to come
because God himself has already accomplished it and promised it." — Pastor Mike Mura
Prayer Heavenly Father, forgive me for placing my hope in things that cannot satisfy—in circumstances, relationships, achievements, or possessions. Help me to anchor my expectations in your unchanging character and promises. Teach me to hope in you not just in moments of crisis but as a daily posture of my heart. Thank you that you, the high and exalted One, choose to dwell with the humble. Revive my spirit as I place my hope in you alone. In Jesus' name, amen.