Uplifting Hope: Trusting God Through Life's Challenges
Summary
### Summary
In today's message, we explored the theme "Get Your Hopes Up," focusing on the importance of maintaining hope and faith in God despite life's challenges and delays. We began by acknowledging that everyone experiences moments when dreams seem unattainable, and discouragement sets in. However, Psalm 42 reminds us to question our discouragement and instead place our hope in God. The psalmist's self-dialogue teaches us to speak to our emotions and redirect our focus towards God's promises.
We delved into the concept of hope as an active, patient trust in God, even when circumstances seem dire. The psalmist's decision to praise God despite his troubles exemplifies the power of faith and hope. Proverbs 13:12 further illustrates that while hope deferred can make the heart sick, a fulfilled dream is a tree of life. This scripture encourages us to hold on to God's promises, understanding that delays are not denials.
We also examined the story of Abraham, who against all natural hope, believed in God's promise that he would become the father of many nations. Abraham's journey teaches us that faith begins with hope, and maintaining that hope requires focusing on God's word and promises rather than our circumstances. Similarly, David's story of overcoming his darkest moments at Ziklag to eventually become king highlights the importance of encouraging oneself in the Lord and not giving up.
The message concluded with a call to lift our eyes to God, the source of our help, and to keep our hopes up, trusting that God will turn our situations around. We were reminded that God's timing and methods may differ from our expectations, but His promises are sure. By maintaining hope and faith, we position ourselves to experience the fulfillment of God's promises in our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. Hope in God Despite Circumstances: Psalm 42 teaches us to question our discouragement and place our hope in God. The psalmist's self-dialogue is a powerful example of redirecting our focus from negative circumstances to God's promises. This act of speaking to our emotions and choosing hope is crucial in maintaining faith. [03:22]
2. The Power of Praise in Adversity: The decision to praise God despite adverse circumstances, as seen in Psalm 42, demonstrates the strength of faith and hope. Praising God in the midst of trials is an act of trust that He will provide help and turn situations around. This practice keeps our faith active and our hope alive. [06:46]
3. Hope Deferred and Fulfilled: Proverbs 13:12 highlights the emotional toll of delayed hopes but also the joy of fulfilled dreams. Understanding that God's delays are not denials encourages us to persist in faith, knowing that the fulfillment of God's promises will bring profound satisfaction and joy. [09:11]
4. Faith Begins with Hope: Abraham's story in Romans 4 shows that faith starts with hope. Despite natural impossibilities, Abraham believed in God's promise, focusing on God's word rather than his circumstances. This teaches us the importance of keeping God's promises in front of us to maintain hope and activate faith. [19:20]
5. Encouraging Yourself in the Lord: David's experience at Ziklag, where he encouraged himself in the Lord during his darkest moment, underscores the importance of self-encouragement and seeking God's guidance. This act of faith led to his greatest victory, reminding us that our darkest moments can precede our greatest breakthroughs if we keep our hope in God. [58:01]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:10] - Introduction: Get Your Hopes Up
[03:22] - Psalm 42: Questioning Discouragement
[04:21] - Speaking to Your Emotions
[06:07] - The Meaning of Hope
[06:46] - Praising God in Adversity
[09:11] - Proverbs 13:12: Hope Deferred
[10:29] - God's Delay is Not Denial
[11:58] - Trusting God's Timing
[12:53] - The Danger of Quitting
[13:26] - Hebrews 11: Faith and Hope
[19:20] - Abraham's Journey of Faith
[22:06] - The Importance of Obedience
[24:40] - Believing in God's Promises
[32:08] - Keeping God's Word in Front of You
[36:33] - Indicators of Faith and Hope
[38:45] - Paul's Confidence in God's Deliverance
[40:04] - Focusing on the Eternal
[50:31] - Lifting Your Eyes to God
[58:01] - David's Encouragement at Ziklag
[01:01:35] - Conclusion: Get Your Hopes Up
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 42:5 (NIV): "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God."
2. Proverbs 13:12 (NIV): "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life."
3. Romans 4:18 (NIV): "Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, 'So shall your offspring be.'"
### Observation Questions
1. What question does the psalmist ask himself in Psalm 42:5, and what is his response? [03:22]
2. According to Proverbs 13:12, what are the two contrasting outcomes of hope deferred and a dream fulfilled? [09:11]
3. How did Abraham respond to his seemingly hopeless situation according to Romans 4:18? [19:20]
4. In the sermon, what did the pastor say about the importance of speaking to our emotions? [04:21]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does the psalmist in Psalm 42:5 choose to question his own discouragement and place his hope in God? How does this reflect on our own approach to difficult situations? [03:22]
2. How can the concept of "hope deferred" in Proverbs 13:12 affect a person's emotional and spiritual well-being? What does this teach us about the importance of maintaining hope? [09:11]
3. What does Abraham's story in Romans 4:18 teach us about the relationship between faith and hope? How can we apply this to our own lives when facing seemingly impossible situations? [19:20]
4. The pastor mentioned that praising God in adversity is an act of trust. How does this practice help in keeping our faith active and our hope alive? [06:46]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt discouraged like the psalmist in Psalm 42. How did you handle it, and what could you have done differently to place your hope in God? [03:22]
2. Proverbs 13:12 speaks about the emotional toll of delayed hopes. Can you identify a dream or hope in your life that has been deferred? How can you renew your hope in God's promises for that situation? [09:11]
3. Abraham believed in hope against all odds. Is there a situation in your life where you need to adopt a similar attitude? What steps can you take to focus on God's promises rather than your circumstances? [19:20]
4. The pastor emphasized the importance of speaking to our emotions and redirecting our focus towards God's promises. How can you practice this in your daily life, especially during challenging times? [04:21]
5. The sermon highlighted the power of praising God in adversity. Can you think of a current challenge where you can start praising God despite the circumstances? How might this change your perspective and situation? [06:46]
6. David encouraged himself in the Lord during his darkest moment at Ziklag. How can you develop a habit of self-encouragement and seeking God's guidance in your own life? [58:01]
7. The pastor mentioned that God's timing and methods may differ from our expectations. How can you cultivate patience and trust in God's timing for the fulfillment of His promises in your life? [10:29]
Devotional
Day 1: Questioning Discouragement and Choosing Hope
Description: Psalm 42 teaches us to question our discouragement and place our hope in God. The psalmist's self-dialogue is a powerful example of redirecting our focus from negative circumstances to God's promises. This act of speaking to our emotions and choosing hope is crucial in maintaining faith. When we face moments of despair, it is essential to remind ourselves of God's faithfulness and His promises. By doing so, we can shift our perspective from our problems to the One who holds the solution. [03:22]
Psalm 42:11 (ESV): "Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you felt discouraged. How can you speak to your emotions and redirect your focus to God's promises today?
Day 2: The Power of Praise in Adversity
Description: The decision to praise God despite adverse circumstances, as seen in Psalm 42, demonstrates the strength of faith and hope. Praising God in the midst of trials is an act of trust that He will provide help and turn situations around. This practice keeps our faith active and our hope alive. When we choose to praise God, we acknowledge His sovereignty and goodness, even when we don't understand our circumstances. This act of worship can transform our outlook and bring us closer to God's heart. [06:46]
Habakkuk 3:17-18 (ESV): "Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation."
Reflection: In what specific ways can you praise God today, even if you are facing challenges or uncertainties?
Day 3: Hope Deferred and Fulfilled
Description: Proverbs 13:12 highlights the emotional toll of delayed hopes but also the joy of fulfilled dreams. Understanding that God's delays are not denials encourages us to persist in faith, knowing that the fulfillment of God's promises will bring profound satisfaction and joy. When we experience delays, it is easy to become disheartened, but we must remember that God's timing is perfect. His plans for us are good, and He is faithful to fulfill His promises. By holding on to hope, we can navigate the waiting periods with grace and anticipation. [09:11]
Lamentations 3:25-26 (ESV): "The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord."
Reflection: Reflect on a promise from God that you are still waiting to see fulfilled. How can you hold on to hope and trust in His timing today?
Day 4: Faith Begins with Hope
Description: Abraham's story in Romans 4 shows that faith starts with hope. Despite natural impossibilities, Abraham believed in God's promise, focusing on God's word rather than his circumstances. This teaches us the importance of keeping God's promises in front of us to maintain hope and activate faith. Abraham's unwavering hope in God's promise, even when it seemed impossible, is a powerful example for us. By focusing on God's word and His faithfulness, we can cultivate a strong foundation of hope that leads to active faith. [19:20]
Romans 4:18-21 (ESV): "In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, 'So shall your offspring be.' He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah's womb. No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised."
Reflection: What specific promise from God can you focus on today to strengthen your hope and faith?
Day 5: Encouraging Yourself in the Lord
Description: David's experience at Ziklag, where he encouraged himself in the Lord during his darkest moment, underscores the importance of self-encouragement and seeking God's guidance. This act of faith led to his greatest victory, reminding us that our darkest moments can precede our greatest breakthroughs if we keep our hope in God. When we face overwhelming challenges, it is crucial to find strength in God and encourage ourselves in His promises. By doing so, we can navigate through difficult times with resilience and faith. [58:01]
1 Samuel 30:6 (ESV): "And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God."
Reflection: Think of a challenging situation you are currently facing. How can you encourage yourself in the Lord and seek His guidance today?
Quotes
1. "When I went to prayer this morning, I had zero idea what I was preaching tonight. That's not a very comfortable place to be. Can you imagine? Kind of like, hey, Lord, I have to be in front of your people tonight, and I have nothing to say. I can just grab some scriptures, but I know better than that. I know God has a message tailor-made for this moment, and I need to find out what that message is. I never get up here and just preach something. I always hear from God, and this is what he put in my heart. Get your hopes up." [02:10] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Even though he had these horrible circumstances in front of him, he knew something and he had someone that made all of that irrelevant. And because of that, it made no sense for him to be discouraged. It made no sense. It made no sense for him to be depressed, even though he was looking at some pretty terrible circumstances. What does he say to himself? And I do want you to notice, by the way, that he's speaking to himself. I mean, sometimes you got to talk to yourself. Sometimes you got to talk to yourself. You got to bring yourself in line." [04:21] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "In spite of what you're seeing, in spite of how you're feeling, trust in God. And then he goes a step farther when he says, for I shall yet. That word yet's big. I will yet praise him for the help of his countenance. In other words, I've made a decision. I shall still praise God no matter what has happened, no matter what is happening, no matter what looks like it's going to happen. I'm still going to praise God in this moment, this moment when things look bad, this moment when I feel sad. I'm making a decision to praise God right now." [06:46] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God's delay is not God's denial. Y'all not hearing me tonight. I'm either preach to myself. I said God's delay is not God's denial. Come on. There are times in Scripture. I remember one opening a scripture and it's a little different than this, but it jumped out at me one day. And every once in a while, I go back to it. And it's the story of Jacob. And when his son Joseph died, as far as he knew, you know, he grieved. He was never the same. But God was working on something." [10:29] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When you quit, you lose. When you quit, you have a 0% chance of what you were hoping for coming to pass. That's the one way to guarantee you will not get it. When you quit. When you quit, you just took yourself out of the race, out of it. You can't quit. You can't give up. You might feel like giving up. It may look like you should give up. You might think you're an idiot for believing God still. But you know what? You can't quit. You got to keep your hopes up." [12:53] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Don't let what Satan has done to you rob you of what God wants to do for you. That's why he did it. I don't know why I'm talking about that. But anyway, so the point here is that, you know, sometimes we we we are stuck in the first half of Proverbs 13, 12. Hope deferred makes the heart sick. And we just think that's the end of the scripture. Well, I'm not gonna get my hopes up. Because I don't want to be heart sick. I don't want to have to deal with the heartbreak of this not ever happening. I don't know if I can handle that, if I could take that. But that's not the end of the scripture." [16:40] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "If the dream God has given you isn't a little crazy, I wonder if it's the dream God gave you. The dream God's given you is going to be a little nutty. It's going to be a little crazy. You're like, this don't make sense. This isn't natural. This don't work out. No, but I'm telling you. God likes to get glory from doing the impossible on your behalf or through you. Some, this is where your hopes have died down, is that God has spoken to you about... I'm speaking prophetically tonight about the Holy Spirit. It's just coming out. So I'm talking. I'm not just saying stuff. I'm not just preaching. This is the Holy Ghost talking to y'all." [25:32] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "You will not get territory without a fight. But the good news is you have God on your side. Greater is he that's in you than he that's in the world. God will always cause you to triumph. Just don't give up. So I want to end with a scripture that many of us are very familiar with. Psalm 121, verse 1 and 2. Because this is really what we should be doing right now. I will lift up my eyes to the hills from whence comes my help. My help comes from the Lord." [48:49] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "It's time for some of you to dream again. Time to dream again. Okay, yes, you've been through a lot. Yes, it's taken a while. All right, you just got a great story to tell. It's just going to end up being even greater testimony. It's just going to get back even more people when you say, I went through this, and I went through the fire, and I went through the water, but God brought me out into my wealthy place. That's going to help people because, you know, guess what? Other people are going through the same things, and when you're able to show them that God did it for you, then they'll realize that God can do it for them as well." [41:24] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "When you leave this place today, leave praise in God. When you wake up in the morning, praise God that is already done. And keep your eyes on what God said to you, not on what you're seeing. I don't know about you. I'm encouraged. Anybody else encouraged in this? I hope that helped you. God has an amazing future for you, one that is greater than anything you can create for yourself. But the way to get to that future is to do things God's way, to actually apply what you just heard." [01:02:52] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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