How to Live with Hope & Confidently Wait on God
Hope is defined as:
- the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best.
- to look forward to with desire and reasonable confidence.
- to feel that something desired may happen.
But those definitions don’t come close to describing what it means to live with hope as followers of Jesus.
Hope for those who KNOW, TRUST, and LOVE Christ Jesus isn’t just a feeling. It is the assurance that God is who He says He is and that He keeps His promises . . . it is the confidence that He does what He says He will do.
Paul wrote to the believers in Rome…
We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.)
Romans 8:24–25
How good are you at waiting patiently and confidently?
I’ll admit that I’ve had more than a few times when my waiting has turned to doubt and impatience. Remember, I can be like Veruca Salt who sang “I Want It Now!“
But, by God’s grace, I’m learning that when our hope is in God and in His promises, He will give us everything we need to wait with patient confidence.
David wrote in Psalm 62…
Let all that I am wait quietly before God,
Psalm 62:5–8
for my hope is in Him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress where I will not be shaken.
My victory and honor come from God alone.
He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.
O my people, trust in Him at all times.
Pour out your heart to Him,
for God is our refuge.
How could David wait quietly before God? How could he wait without impatiently whining and complaining?
David’s hope was in God who had kept His promises in the past and he trusted God to keep His promises in the future. He believed that God was the firm foundation of his life. He relied on God to save him and that confidence in God kept him from being unnerved when he had to wait.
I think one of the most important things David did to make it possible for him to wait with hope was that he took everything to the Lord in prayer immediately. David learned that it didn’t do him any good to let his thoughts spiral down into the pit of despair (Psalm 40:2) when he could run to the One who had given him victory in the past and who would give him victory again now and in the future.
We don’t always know exactly what victory looks like. But God does. We believe that victory looks like getting what we want. But God knows true victory is found in the eternal security we have in Jesus.
So, if you want to live with hope . . . pour out your heart to the Lord and trust Him to be your refuge and strength. The remember and say with confidence…
The Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me.
Psalm 16:8
Let’s pray…
A Prayer to Confidently Live with Hope Every Day
Father, I have so very many reasons to thank and praise You. Above all, I thank You for the gift of Jesus. Thank you for graciously giving everything that was required to save me from my sins through Him. Thank you for allowing me to KNOW, TRUST, and LOVE You.
Your Word tells me that You knit me together in my mother’s womb and that every day of my life has been recorded in Your book laid out by Your hand. (Psalm 139) That You chose me (1 Peter 1:2), that You are with me (Matthew 28:20), and that You have called me to one glorious hope for the future (Ephesians 4:4).
You provide for me and care for me. You hear every prayer. You have been with me throughout my past and I trust You to be with me every day of my future. I believe that Your plans for me are good and that if You give me a day You have a purpose for me to accomplish.
So, even when I don’t understand Your ways or Your timing, I will live with hope and wait with confidence. You have won the victory for my day today and every day to come forever and always. You are my refuge and my strength. You are my Savior and my God. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
When we find it hard to pray because we’re suffering with adversity we can still live with hope.
Paul added these encouraging words following his counsel on having hope while waiting patiently and confidently…
And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.
Romans 8:26–28
So, whatever you and I are asked to do or endure, we can live with hope confident that the Spirit is praying for us according to God’s perfect will and that our Heavenly Father is working everything together for our lasting good.
May the Lord be with you, bless you, and give you patience, confidence, and hope.
We would love to pray for you.
You can leave your prayer requests here…
and even take a few minutes to pray over the list left by our friends.
Never Miss an Update
Leave your email address and I’ll send you a short email every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to alert you to each new devotion. Plus you’ll receive a copy of 30 Ways to Bless Your Marriage and Keep the Spark Burning
I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi” and share your thoughts in the comments below.
And if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Maybe a friend, family member, coworker, or through the links below…
Thanks again for visiting! Don’t forget to check out the links below to find additional posts that will bless you…
Thank you! I really needed this reminder today! It blessed my heart.????❤️????
Anita
I’m so glad, Anita! Thank you for visiting and for taking the time to let me that you were blessed. God bless you!
As long as I have God, I have hope. I have learned that waiting on his plan does take patience. God’s timing is always perfect. I have also learned that he may have the same results I am looking for in His divine plan. I have learned that what he does do, always works out for the best.
Thank you so much for this post. May God bless you in everything and I hope that you have a beautiful weekend.
Amen, Sue! As love as we have Him . . . we have hope! Blessings!
Deb,
I would also like to add that I have been going through a situation that was so overwhelming for a long time. But, that feeling has passed. Thankfully!! I keep thinkling of the verse that tells us to be brave, and banish fear and doube. That has helped me too. You have such kind posts and they are all so much needed but your followers. Reading them has let me know that I am not the only one who is going through similiar situations. Hugs and Blessings to you, our dear friend.
You are definitely not alone, Sue. I’m so sorry you’ve gone through this difficult overwhelming situation. It takes the Spirit’s help day after day to get that place where the feelings of overwhelm pass. I’m praying that the Lord continues to strengthen you and give you everything you need. Thank you so much for your encouragement, sweet friend. I love being able to connect with all of you here in this space. And some day we will be able to chat together in His presence. What a day that will be! Blessings and hugs!
Oh Deb, I needed this, as my patience has been withering and wilting! Current events cause me to yearn for God to please come “right now” and take us out of this evil, vile, and perverted, sinful world. But, I know things have to happen as His Word tells us, and in His timing and Will, not mine. I pray for patience, perseverance, and endurance to happenings that make me sad and mad! My faith and trust and hope are steady on but my patience is a work in progress! Psalm 130:5
I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in His Word DO I HOPE. Thank You so much for all of your encouraging and “right on target” posts that soothes and strengthens my heart and my spirit. I pray for blessings for you and Rev. You are indeed a blessing to me. Hugs and love, sweet friend.
Hi Kathy,
I hope that things are well for you. I never hear from you anymore. Hope I haven’t said anything to upset you.
Hey, Sue! My goodness no!!! In fact I was worried about you! I hadnt seen a comment from you in several days! I have been missing you!! Hope you see this!
Oh dear Sue….i have truly been thinking of you and praying you were ok! I had thought of commenting “Hey Sue, where are you?”
Hi Kathy,
Thank you for replying. I am very grateful. We were out of town that week. He took me to Hilton Head for my 78th birthday and for a Mother’s Day treat too. I enjoy the posts you do and I am glad to count you as a wonderful Christian friend. I am grateful for Deb. She does so much for all of us and bringing us in to good friendships and so much wisdom. Isn’t it wonderful to share and learn? God Bless You and thank you so much for your reply. I was worried.
Oooh Sue, I just prayed a few moments ago that you would see my reply to you! It broke my heart for you to think that you had offended me in some way! Please know that I look for you, every post that Deb sends us!! I thought perhaps you might have taken a little holiday, but at the same time, hoping nothing was wrong! And WOW! Happy Late 78th!! You go girl!!
And belated Happy Mother’s Day as well! Hilton Head sounds wonderful and so happy God blessed you with your special trip!! You evidently have a thoughtful and sweet hubby! I am so thankful to be reconnected in heart and spirit and comments! Think God knew we each needed a special friend! And through Deb’s ministry, He brought us together! It is so awesome to see how the Lord works and blesses us so unexpectedly sometimes! Much love, precious friend! Look forward to Deb’s post tomorrow and hope to see you then!! Blessings for a safe and Happy Memorial Day!
His timing, not mine. That’s hard, isn’t it, Kathy! Rev and I pray often for the Lord’s return and then we pray that He will give us the strength and peace we need for that day. I’m so thankful for His word and promises. Yes, my soul waits for the Lord! Thanks so much for faithfully adding your thoughts and sweet encouragement. God’s richest blessings!
Living in and with hope each and every day because I know God loves me.
Blessings, Deb!
It is truly the best way to live one day at a time. Blessings, dear friend!
Thank you Deb for the beautiful words and prayer to know how to wait patiently for God’s glory. I know it is not easy and want everything now. The only way to be able to grow with him is by prayer. I will continue to pray daily thanking our Lord Jesus for all his Blessings and to give me the Patience, Trust, and Love for him. So the Holy Spirit can come to me so I my heart yearns for him to follow him all the days of my life.
Have a wonderful blessed day and weekend! ????
Beautifully said, Ana! Hope u a wonderful day and safe and happy Memorial weekend!
Thank you for faithfully sharing your heart with us, Ana! It is such a blessing and hope-filled encouragement to us all. Thanking the Lord and asking for patience, trust, and love. Amen! I join you in that daily prayer. Blessings and hugs!
Thank you for this teaching & prayer, it was just what I needed ???? ✝️????
Thanks for visiting, Joyce! I pray you have a wonderful day! Blessings!