Putting our hope in God alone.

"There's more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!"
Romans 5:3-5 (MSG)

The New Internation Version says it this way: "Hope does not put us to shame".



When you put your hope in the Lord you will not be put to shame.

Isn't that wonderful?
But, what does this mean for us?

WHAT IT DOESN'T MEAN
First, let's start with what it does not mean. This does not mean that you should stop everything. Stop pouring your time and energy into other things you love like your family and friends, and stop making goals for yourself because all you need to do is sit back and hope in the Lord to do everything for you. That is NOT what this verse is talking about.

WHAT IT DOES MEAN
Obviously, taking care of your body and loving your spouse, if you have one, is important.

• You should love your spouse like crazy, but you should put your hope in the Lord.
• You should take care of your body like you're glad God gave it to you, but you should put your hope in the Lord. 
• You should work your job as if you are doing it for the Lord, but you should keep your hope in the Lord and not in your boss. 

You get what I am saying. When you put your hope in things, or in people, other than the Lord you will be disappointed, and you will feel shortchanged. When your hope is in the Lord, and you are waiting on Him to provide, you will "not be put to shame". . . over and over and over again. When you live this way, you are living in an awareness that every good thing comes from God so you are able to keep things in the right perspective.  When things don't go the way you wanted you can rest in the Lord and in His sovereignty, knowing that He will take care of you even still. He is faithful, like He says He is, so you can be assured that He will pull through for you just like He always has in the past.

You are loved.