Got Hope? Obama

Did I get your attention? I saw this on a bumper sticker a couple days ago and it got me to thinking and asking myself some very candid questions. I am not voting for Obama this November and I don't believe that he is our hope. However, I really don't put my hope in any of the candidates (although there are definitely some I prefer over others!)

I started to ask myself some very hard questions and really started to search my heart. What is the true answer to these questions? Is it where I want/should be?

Who do I really put my hope in? God's Word tells us that our hope should be in Christ Jesus. We can't put our hope in anyone else. Not only does it go against God's Word, but it is actually unfair to the person because nobody can live up to that expectation.

As Christians we hear all the time about how our hope is to be in God, in our savior. But do I really live as if He is my Hope? Does my life truly reflect this, at all times?

When things are bad, where do I look first? Do I look to myself? Others? or do I automatically go to the Lord? When things are good, where do I give the praise? Do I pat myself on the back, or do I praise the Lord who has given me everything that I have? The one that knows what is best for me?

This is something that is not natural for us as sinful humans. We tend to think we know what is best for us and we want to do things our own way. We tend to want to take credit for the good things in our life and to solve our own problems. It makes us feel like we have some control in a world that is so very out of control.

As far as the upcoming elections and the rest of my life, I am putting my hope in the Creator of the Universe who knows the future. My hope is in Him because I know even if the person I vote for does not end up in the White House, the Lord is still in control. He is always in control, even when it may not seem so to me. I can only see a very small part of the big picture. I have to trust that He loves me and will take care of me.

This is something I'm learning does not just happen one day and stays with you. It is a choice I'm having to make everyday. The more time I spend with Him the easier it is for me to trust Him and make that choice each day.

Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
~Psalm 42:11

I will praise you forever for what you have done; in your name I will hope, for your name is good. I will praise you in the presence of your saints.
~Psalm 52:9

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.
~Psalm 62:5

the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.
~Psalm 147:11