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Insp(ire)rints #2: Hooks to hang your hopes on.
Sunday, October 10, 2010


1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

9 If you make the Most High your dwelling— even the LORD, who is my refuge-

10 then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent.

11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;

12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.
(Psalm 91)


READ: Psalm 91

Pastor Tim Keller says that, in life, “Fifty percent of the reason we get so discouraged and despondent is we’re shocked when something bad happens. We say, ‘This isn’t how it’s supposed to be.’ ” 


In other words, we tend to believe that since we’ve placed our faith in Jesus, and because we’ve tried to be “good” Christians, a comfortable and problem-free existence should be ours. 


New York Giants and New York Yankees Chaplain George McGovern explained the pitfall of such thinking to the professional athletes he works with. He said, “When you hang your hopes on non-guaranteed promises rather than on God’s guaranteed promises, you are destined to experience deep disappointment.” Keller adds that with this type of mindset, “You’re going to be continually shocked and even overthrown.”


Though God doesn’t promise us rosy circumstances, worldly success, or the fulfillment of all our “wants,” He does present an abundance of promises that, if we cling to them, will help us stand during tough times. His guarantees include:
  • “Forgiveness of sins for all who repent” (Luke 24:47);
  • triumph over sin and death for all who receive God’s wonderful gifts of grace and
  • righteousness “through this one Man, Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:17);
  • an Advocate, the Holy Spirit, who will never leave those who love God and accept His commandments (John 14:15-21);
  • “peace of mind and heart” that the world can’t provide (v.27);
  • rest for the “weary” who bring their “heavy burdens” to Jesus (Matthew 11:28-30);
  • eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ (Titus 1:1-2).


In a world where people and circumstances disappoint, we can experience true joy by discarding our sense of worldly entitlement and placing our hope in God’s promises.
—Roxanne Robbins



Think it through. Find three additional promises in God’s Word to hang your hopes on. Why is it vital that we trust in God’s promises?


Thank You Daddy, for reaffirming me time & time again. Thank You for listening to my cries & prayers. Thank You for revealing Your words that I could literally hear You say them. Thank You for being here. & thank You, for loving me.

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