Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.

Proverbs 13:12

This is a powerful scripture that teaches us the force that hope has in our lives. When hope comes to pass, it is a tree of life! But when hope is deferred, it makes our hearts sick. To be a healthy, thriving YOU, you must understand the potential of hope and learn to harness it correctly in your life.

Hope is a motor for your life. Whatever you put your hope in creates a significant force of movement, so it’s vital you know how to aim your hope in the right way. If you direct your hope toward the things of God, you will experience a prosperous soul. But if you set your hopes on things God has never asked you to set your hopes on, even if you attain those things, eventually your soul will grow disillusioned and sick. Those hopes will break your heart.

Today let’s take a look at WHAT you are to hope for. Hope, Biblically-speaking, is an internal faith in God, a belief that God is good and that He loves us. We are to use the force of hope to set our hearts on the promises of God found in His scriptures: His healing, His salvation, His provision, the forgiveness that comes through Jesus, the promise of eternal life, and blessing on our marriage and family. This is what hope was made for. These hopes are infallible and will always be a tree of life for us.

Is there a particular promise in God’s Word? Then fully set your hope on that promise because it will be an anchor for your soul. And always remember: most things we hope for don’t happen as quickly as we want them to. God’s Word is true and His timing is always perfect.

BELIEVE IT

Are you experiencing a hope deferred? First, make sure you’ve set your hope on the right things. Talk with a mature Christian if you need some advice. Second, get in agreement with another and pray. Allow this partnership to encourage you. Third, be patient and don’t grow weary in well-doing, for at the right time, you will reap a harvest if you do not give up. Meditate on Galatians 6:9.

SAY IT

Father, I believe You are directing my hopes, and that You give me the desires of my heart. I will trust in You completely to bring Your promises to pass in my life.