This devotional was written by Chloee Jean.
“We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone.” Psalm 33:20-22
Hope. Such a simple word but one that also seems scary to me. I’ve placed my hope in a lot of things. Work. Money. Relationships – both platonically and romantically. Outward appearance. Inward appearance. The way I envision things such as an event or creating something or expecting a reaction from someone. Nine times out of ten, that hope has been completely broken and shattered, leaving me hopeless and, honestly, scared to hope again.
I share that with you because God has been doing a work in my life where hope is concerned. Well, that, and it’s easier to listen to the words of someone else – a stranger, really – and apply it in your own life.
It’s okay to have hope. What makes it not okay is placing your hope in something that guarantees disappointment. Nothing and no one in this world can guarantee us to fulfill the hope that we expect from that person or thing. It’s temporary and doesn’t keep up a promise.
However, once we place our hope in God, we’re guaranteed that our hope will be fulfilled. The verse above states, “He is our help and our shield”. God, once we give Him our hope for that thing or person, is going to help us and protect us. That is the promise that is guaranteed in our hope. So, if it doesn’t work out to our expectations, we don’t have to worry or be hurt because God is going to help us along the way and protect us from the hurt that it may bring. We can be hopeful for what He wants for us, not what we want for ourselves. There’s a perspective change.
We don’t have to get the end result of pain when we place our hope in God. Why? Because we’re no longer hoping for what we want, we’re hoping for what God wants. Another failed relationship? That’s fine because I’m hoping for God’s best for me. Didn’t get that promotion? That’s fine because I’m hoping for the finances and position God wants and has for me. Didn’t get that job? That’s fine because I’m hopeful and expectant for the right place God wants me to not only work in but serve in. Didn’t get the reaction I was hoping for? That’s fine because my hope is placed in how God is going to move in that person’s life. Didn’t go as planned? That’s fine because my hope was in how God wanted it to go.
A perspective change and that’s what we need. Once we change how we hope, everything else changes for us. What we expect, need, desire, want; it all changes. Why? Because our hope is being placed in the One that knows all and our hope is what He hopes for for us, not what we hope for or the world says we need to hope for for ourselves.
be. hopeful
Show us some love on our social media accounts! We would love to connect with you through these platforms!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everbedesigns/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everbedesigns
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/everbedesigns/_created/
Chloee Jean is a youth leader, a Podcaster, a Digital Creator, Worship Leader, Social Media Manager, and a firm believer in Christ. She was born and raised in a Christian home and spent her days as a little girl singing songs, playing around on the piano, and drawing with her crayons. After years of hardships and trials, Chloee found escape in her music and writing her own lyrics. She pursued a Worship Leader certificate at Bethel Music’s Worship School. When she completed her course, she led worship with her sister, Aliseea, at a small youth group they were both currently serving in. After they both stepped down from that role and during 2020’s pandemic, Chloee started her own podcast called W.O.W and small business, Simply by Chloee Jean. She now finds joy in speaking God’s Word, singing about it occasionally with her sister, and creating digital designs to point others back to God and His Word. When Chloee isn’t designing or podcasting, she spends quality time with her family by having game nights, a movie marathon, or even jamming out to some worship songs. To find her on social media, check out her Instagram page!