Life often throws us into tumultuous waters. When storms hit, it's easy to feel despair pulling us down. But what if the strength to withstand the tide wasn't an accident or a fleeting emotion, but a deliberate, daily decision? The truth is, hope is a choice, and the durability of that hope depends entirely on the foundation beneath it.
For those of us seeking meaningful lives, this isn't about quick fixes; it's about a continuous process of building. We must choose hope, and we must anchor that choice in the solid rock of our faith, aligning our daily priorities with God’s unchanging will.
The Foundation: Why Faith Must Come First
Before we can effectively choose hope, we must ensure our lives are built upon the right base. Just as a building needs deep footings to survive a hurricane, our inner lives need a strong, spiritual foundation to withstand crises. This requires a genuine openness to God's guidance.
Aligning our priorities means honestly assessing our time, energy, and commitment. Are we spending our most valuable resources on the temporary things of this world, or are we investing in our spiritual growth?
When God is the non-negotiable priority, everything else—including our capacity for hope—falls into its proper, place.
Matthew 6:28-34 NIV [28] “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. [29] Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. [30] If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? [31] So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ [32] For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. [33] But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. [34] Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (emphasis mine)
⚓ The Anchor: Choosing Hope in the Storm
When we have established that strong foundation, hope ceases to be mere wishful thinking; it becomes a powerful act of faith based on assurance.
Hebrews 11:1 NIV [1] Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
Even when external circumstances are chaotic, we can choose to believe in a higher truth: that God is sovereign, and His plans for us are good.
Romans 8:28 NIV And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
To be clear, the biblical definition of hope is not based on uncertainty. Hope is the sure and confident expectation of receiving what God has promised us in the future. It is an anchor for the soul, firm and secure which cannot be frustrated by the storms of this world because it rests entirely on the unchanging character of God.
Hebrews 6:19-20 NIV [19] We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, [20] where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek. (emphasis mine)
This choice is what allows us to exercise hope not just after the trial, but during it.
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Choosing hope means actively recalling these truths. It means recognizing that our trials are not random; they are tools that can be used for our refinement. This is the spiritual process at work in us.
Romans 5:3-5 NIV [3] Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; [4] perseverance, character; and character, hope. [5] And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
✅ Practical Steps for a Continuous Process
Choosing hope daily requires discipline. It’s an ongoing conversation with God, not a one-time transaction.
Let's commit today to making hope our choice, supported by a life built around His purpose.
For those of us seeking meaningful lives, this isn't about quick fixes; it's about a continuous process of building. We must choose hope, and we must anchor that choice in the solid rock of our faith, aligning our daily priorities with God’s unchanging will.
The Foundation: Why Faith Must Come First
Before we can effectively choose hope, we must ensure our lives are built upon the right base. Just as a building needs deep footings to survive a hurricane, our inner lives need a strong, spiritual foundation to withstand crises. This requires a genuine openness to God's guidance.
Aligning our priorities means honestly assessing our time, energy, and commitment. Are we spending our most valuable resources on the temporary things of this world, or are we investing in our spiritual growth?
When God is the non-negotiable priority, everything else—including our capacity for hope—falls into its proper, place.
Matthew 6:28-34 NIV [28] “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. [29] Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. [30] If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? [31] So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ [32] For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. [33] But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. [34] Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (emphasis mine)
⚓ The Anchor: Choosing Hope in the Storm
When we have established that strong foundation, hope ceases to be mere wishful thinking; it becomes a powerful act of faith based on assurance.
Hebrews 11:1 NIV [1] Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
Even when external circumstances are chaotic, we can choose to believe in a higher truth: that God is sovereign, and His plans for us are good.
Romans 8:28 NIV And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
To be clear, the biblical definition of hope is not based on uncertainty. Hope is the sure and confident expectation of receiving what God has promised us in the future. It is an anchor for the soul, firm and secure which cannot be frustrated by the storms of this world because it rests entirely on the unchanging character of God.
Hebrews 6:19-20 NIV [19] We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, [20] where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek. (emphasis mine)
This choice is what allows us to exercise hope not just after the trial, but during it.
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Choosing hope means actively recalling these truths. It means recognizing that our trials are not random; they are tools that can be used for our refinement. This is the spiritual process at work in us.
Romans 5:3-5 NIV [3] Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; [4] perseverance, character; and character, hope. [5] And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
✅ Practical Steps for a Continuous Process
Choosing hope daily requires discipline. It’s an ongoing conversation with God, not a one-time transaction.
- Prioritize Quiet Time: Start the day with God’s Word and prayer. This sets the alignment for your priorities before the demands of the day begin.
- Practice Self-Reflection: Regularly take inventory of your heart. Are you reacting out of fear or responding out of faith? Be open to where God is guiding you to change.
- Worship in Waiting: When life is challenging, choose to worship and give thanks. Gratitude is a practical choice of hope that shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have in Christ.
Let's commit today to making hope our choice, supported by a life built around His purpose.
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