Daily Devotions

Where is your hope? The prophet Jeremiah wrote these words, “Blessed (or happy) is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is” (Jeremiah 17:7).
The Apostle Paul wrote, “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost” (Romans 15:13).
If only today would be the day. The thought crosses your mind as it so often does. How many times have you started the morning with the same hope? As time passes, it may be challenging to maintain confidence. Yet you comfort yourself with the promise, “With God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).
Waiting is undoubtedly difficult, but it’s also necessary. Through delays you discover your failings and are trained to trust God the Father.
Yet understand this: If what you desire draws you away from the Lord or you would forsake Him if He refused to give it to you, there is a problem. Your desire has become your god. Proverbs 4:23 tells us, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”
So today, examine your heart. Would you still love the Father if He said no to requests? Is He still on the throne of your heart? Make sure. Ask Him to remove any idols and help you acknowledge Him as God. And trust that what He has for you is immeasurably above what you could hope for or imagine.
Why not pray something like this: “Lord, You are my God. There is nothing I desire above You. Remove the idols from my heart and help me wait for Your very best, amen.”