Hope and Trust – Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

When it seems that all reason for hope is gone, hope on in faith.  With hope upon hope, believe.[1]  When trust seems like lassoing the wind given your gloomy circumstances, persevere in trust, prayerfully seeking the Lord’s help and guidance.  Do all that He leads you to do.  Unfalteringly follow His direction, and having done so, leave the outcome to Him.  Believe that as you are faithful to trust in Him and Him alone, He will be faithful to His promise to make your paths straight.[2] 

Plant your hope in the Lord, and though for a short time you see as in a mirror dimly, continue hoping in the One who sees all things clearly.  Stand upon the firm foundation laid by hope.  Trust in that which though unseen you believe to be true, and in the preordained time, with a loving-kindness beyond what mere mortals can comprehend, the Lord will make a river in the desert for you,[3] and your faith will become sight.

Make the Lord God Almighty the One upon whom you depend.  Look to the heavens from whence comes your help, and while your heart rises in gratitude for the good, kind, and capable family, friends, doctors, teachers, and co-workers the Lord puts in your path to help you, do not make them your hope.  Base your hope on the Creator rather than on any created thing.  For the Holy Scriptures instruct us not to “trust in princes, in mortal man, in whom there is no salvation.”[4]  Nor should you place your trust in technology, medicine, wealth, or education since such trust is also in vain.  Rather, in wisdom, place your confidence in the One who created them all.

In hope and trust, rest in the Lord.  Lay down your struggles and fears, and put your faith in the Rock of your salvation, your Stronghold, your Mighty Tower, your Refuge in time of trouble.[5]  Enter into the holy sanctuary of the Lord God Almighty, the Creator of “the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them.”[6]  Bring your heart’s desires to Him, for He is the only One who can help you in times of deep sorrow and overwhelming need, and He will not disappoint you when your hope is in Him.[7] 

Therefore, depend on the One who commanded the heavens, the heights, the sun, moon, and stars into existence,[1] and stand assured in Him, for He will surely help you.[2]

Trust on; when all hope is gone, trust
In hope upon hope, believe

When you’ve done all to stand, stand
When your sight tells you, “No,”
But your faith tells you, “Yes,” rest

In the arms of the Lord
In the Giver of Life, rest

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[1] Romans 4:18

[2] Proverbs 3:5-6

[3] Isaiah 43:19-20

[4] Psalm 146:3

[5] Psalm 46:1

[6] Exodus 20:11

[7] Romans 5:5

[8] Psalm 148:1-5

[9] Psalm 115:9