Hope can be built on a lot of things, and we can have hope in a LOT of things. Hope in the car to get us home. Hope in the Wildcats to not lose another football game. Hope in a bridge we cross everyday to not collapse. Hope in this month’s income to satisfy our bills. Hope in a family, friend, or neighbor to not give up on us in our darkest moment.
Hope is built on what you believe to be true.
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As a result, belief is an integral part of our day-to-day lives. It’s the WHAT. Faith in the car, the Wildcats, the microwave, this month’s income, and those closest to you.
What you believe matters.
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What you believe will directly shape your life (and ultimately your future):
- your claims
- how you treat others
- how you respond to various life circumstances
**(Please remember I’m placing myself in these statements as well.)
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It’s up to you to inform your beliefs.
Demosthenes once said, “Nothing is easier than self-deceit, for what each man wishes that he also believes to be true.”
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And it goes without saying, but I’ll write it anyway that you cannot inform your beliefs without taking time to study.
Opening a book, reading a favorite novel, studying the Bible, analyzing Proverbs, or, all of the above. These can be tactics to help solidify those beliefs. (You know what you know, because you know. You know?)
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When you don’t inform your beliefs, you become stuck.
Have you felt this? It’s that almost tangible feeling like there’s a lid on the box of your life. You not only wonder where your place is in the world-at-large, but also wrestle with the question of who you are as a person.
- you miss the promotion at work
- the truck stops working
- your favorite pet dies
- God doesn’t seem to be answering a specific prayer of yours
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The Bible says to rejoice even in the difficulties.
I know this might not be the answer you’re looking for, but it’s meant to signify the larger scope from day-to-day meanderings. Our instinctual hope, if fixed on an eternal God, will be to rejoice as a result of the overflow of our hearts. I know this might not be where you are today, and admittedly I’m not there 24/7 either, but, it’s something to strive for.
Bottom Line.
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Set your beliefs on solid truths that will have eternal rewards.