Yesterday I spoke with someone who was filled with fear of tomorrow and I didn’t hear much hope. Later in the day, I read of a number of people who lost their jobs on this same day. I am sure those are asking questions about tomorrow as well. Still, I think all of us are hoping for something better in this new year of 2021. What are you hoping for today? A little more sunshine? A little less pain? Improvement on the job? The economy? A breakthrough in your family?

I think the bigger question is where are you placing your hope? Think about these two verses.

Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the LORD his God,
who made heaven and earth,
the sea, and all that is in them,
who keeps faith forever;
Psalm 146: 5-6

Hope. I found two definitions of the word listed in my dictionary. The first is a modern-day “feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen”. The second definition was listed as archaic – a feeling of trust”, but I think the archaic wording better describes the person “whose hope is in the Lord his God”.

Think about the things you’re hoping for today again? Is your hope in your own ability to improve your job and personal economy? Is your hope for a restored relationship based on how you will fix it?

Now consider how the psalmist describes God. He is the Maker of heaven and earth. He is faithful forever. In light of who He is, why would I depend on me?

Be encouraged. Be hopeful today.