Proverbs - Where is Your Hope?

Proverbs 10:28

The hope of the righteous shall be gladness:

but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.

                        The hope of the righteous is a hope that is founded in the Lord.  We look to Him to move, comfort and provide.  Our eyes are fixed on Jesus and our expectation comes from Him.  When we hope in the Lord we are glad because we know that He has a plan and the best one for the situation.  We are not looking to others to perform or meet our expectations but, rather, we are hoping in the Lord and His ability to carry out deliverance in ways that have never entered our minds.  If we find ourselves in despair or depression, we might very well have put our hope in someone or something else.  This results in disappointment and must be remedied by transferring our hope back to the rock and under the shadow of His wings.

                        The expectation of the wicked is that which moves with strict codes and performance standards.  When our wicked nature is dictating what we expect from ourselves, the Lord or others, these expectations result in perishing hope and a wasteland of bitterness, disappointments and faint-heartedness.  Sister!  We must have our hope built in the consistent, faithful character of our God!  People will inevitably fall short of the glory of God.  The Lord says so in Romans 3:23.  Our expectations are so short-sighted and lack mercy and grace.  Hope is that which can look beyond performance to the One who works all things after the counsel of His will.  Won’t you repent of any expectations you have put on another today and rather enjoy those relationships you’ve been privileged to build?   Won’t you come before the Lord today with a heart anticipating all He can do?