A Higher Level of Hope

by Pastor Ken

The LORD is my portion, says my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him. It is good that a man should hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.

Lamentations 3:24-26

When it became obvious that Abraham and his nephew, Lot, needed to go their separate ways in order to continue to prosper in their farming ‘businesses’, Abraham gave Lot first pick of which area of land to call his own. Lot chose the fertile valley of Sodom—a valley that was also rich in wickedness. For a time, Lot prospered in spite of living among this wickedness. But in the end, he lost everything—including his wife.

Lot based his selection of land on the obvious fact that it was so fertile AND on the hopes, he had for utilizing it for his benefit. Lot had hopes, but the things he put his hope in don’t last and they certainly don’t add real meaning to life.

Abraham’s vision, however, was higher than making money. He “looked for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” Abraham’s higher level of hope gave him lasting joy and satisfaction. He trusted that his family would inherit the eternal city of God.

The famous writer Alexander Pope said, “Hope springs eternal in the human breast.” You may never have all the things you want, but you can have the blessed hope in God (Titus 2:13). It is a hope God has in store for you if you will just ask for it.

For I know the plans that I have for you … plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you HOPE and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Prayer: Jesus, You are my hope in all my difficult times. Help me to choose Your eternal way rather than earthly temporal one, In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.