Pastor Tim Keller says that, in life, “Fifty percent of the reason we get so discouraged and despondent is we’re shocked when something bad happens. We say, ‘This isn’t how it’s supposed to be.’ ” In other words, we tend to believe that since we’ve placed our faith in Jesus, and because we’ve tried to be “good” Christians, a comfortable and problem-free existence should be ours.
New York Giants and New York Yankees Chaplain George McGovern explained the pitfall of such thinking to the professional athletes he works with. He said, “When you hang your hopes on non-guaranteed promises rather than God’s promises, you are destined to experience deep disappointment.” Keller adds that with this type of mindset, “You’re going to be continually shocked and even overthrown.”
Though God doesn’t promise us rosy circumstances, worldly success, or the fulfillment of all our “wants,” He does present an abundance of promises that, if we cling to them, will help us stand during tough times. His guarantees include: “Forgiveness of sins for all who repent” (Luke 24:47); triumph over sin and death for all who receive God’s wonderful gifts of grace and righteousness “through this one Man, Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:17); an Advocate, the Holy Spirit, who will never leave those who love God and accept His commandments (John 14:15-21); “peace of mind and heart” that the world can’t provide (John 14:27); rest for the “weary” who bring their “heavy burdens” to Jesus (Matthew 11:28-30); eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ (Titus 1:1-2).
In a world where people and circumstances disappoint, we can experience true joy by discarding our sense of worldly entitlement and placing our hope in God’s promises.
More:
• Numbers 23:19
• Psalm 62:5-8
• Isaiah 12:2
Next:
Find three additional promises in God’s Word to hang your hopes on. Why is it vital that we trust in God’s promises?
lindellj on October 9, 2010 at 6:25 am
The non-guaranteed promises are of the world which makes promises of prosparity or triumph over all or most difficult situations in life as long as we believe, what is guaranteed is GOD’S love and and guidance through all situations what ever they may be, giving us the peace that’s needed to move through it without losing our way . we all know how life can take you off track, getting so wrapped up in our selves, we get distracted and forget who is the true head of our lives. Putting your hope in GOD is the way to live in grace as he gives mercy but he didn’t promise it would be easy but knowing he is there makes it alright.
cspevacek on October 9, 2010 at 6:43 am
I understand todays message, but how do I reach a family member who has given up. They were paralysed 2 yrs, ago in a bad surgery and feel like they have been abandoned. He has always been the one to trust and believe and has witnessed many miracles and after 2 yrs of praying and hoping he is still not able to walk or control body functions. He feels that prayer isn’t worth the effort anymore and each day slips deeper into depression. There are days when I almost feel the same as him. Trying to trust but not easy.
pjp on October 9, 2010 at 7:54 am
I don’t see any error on the statement “Though God doesn’t promise us rosy circumstances, worldly success, or the fulfillment of all our “wants,” He does present an abundance of promises that, if we cling to them, will help us stand during tough times. His guarantees include.” it’s a clear statement & biblically true.
cuddles on October 9, 2010 at 8:15 am
It is not the trusting God I find hard it is seeing so much suffering that i find difficult, all around us there is terrorism, effects of wars, diseases,drugs,murder and criminal activity. It is not that Governments are not trying to alleviate these but as one terrorist group stop another start up, as cures are found for diseases, other diseases arise, a war ends, another one starts. I was taught from a child that believing in Jesus would not stop bad things happening but as I approach old age I at least hoped my children or my childrens children might see a better world. If we don’t seem to be making any progress then is it wrong to ask God ‘what are we getting wrong’ otherwise it seems to me that there is nothing we can do to make this world a better place which just leaves me yearning for heaven and feeling quite useless in this world.
tony rodriguez on October 9, 2010 at 9:37 am
C SPEVACEK THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO JOIN FAITHS WITH YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES SITUATION. I’M REMINDED OF JONI EARECKSON TADA. IF POSSIBLE LOOK HER UP. I BELIEVE THAT YOU BOTH ALONG WITH FAMILY MEMBERS WILL BE ENCOURAGED. THERE ARE MANY SCRIPTURES THAT COME TO MIND, HOWEVER I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT OUR GOD IS THE ONE WHO SPEAKS TO THE STORMS AND THEY ARE OBEDIENT MARK 4:35-41. DON’T TELL GOD HOW BIG YOUR STORMS ARE TELL YOUR STORMS HOW BIG YOUR GOD IS. HALLELUJAH! PLEASE KNOW THAT YOU HAVE OTHER BROTHERS AND SISTERS PRAYING WITH YOU AND FOR YOU. MAY THE OUR LORD AND SAVIOR BLESS YOU WITH PEACE, STRENGTH, AND POWER IN YOUR TIME OF NEED. THERE IS POWER IN PRAISE. ALTHOUGH THE SITUATION MAY NOT LOOK GOOD AT ALL TIMES BE ENCOURAGED. WE WALK BY FAITH NOT BY SIGHT, AND GREATER IS HE THAT IS IN YOU BOTH THAN HE THAT IS IN THE WORLD. GOD BLESS YOU WE LOVE YOU.
tony rodriguez on October 9, 2010 at 9:46 am
CUDDLES THE ENEMY WOULD LIKE YOU TO THINK THAT NOTHING IS CHANGING, BUT DON’T LOOK AT ALL THAT’S GOING ON IN WONDER. LOOK TO THE HILLS FROM WHERE COMEST YOUR HELP YOUR HELP COMES FROM THE LORD. WHEN YOU SEE SOMETHING THAT BOTHERS YOU, OR YOUR SPIRIT MAKE IT A TIME TO GET CLOSER TO GOD. DON’T BE BOTHERED BE ENCOURAGED KNOWING THAT NOT ONLY DOES HE HEAR PRAYERS HE IS ANSWERING TOO. 1JOHN 5:14-15. BE OF GOOD CHEER JESUS OVERCAME THE WORLD. JOHN 16:33. GOD BLESS YOU. MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU, KEEP YOU AND MAKE HIS FACE SHINE UPON YOU TODAY, TOMORROW, AND FOR ALWAYS. IN JESUS’ MIGHTY NAME.
hello on October 9, 2010 at 10:55 am
DEAr all brothers and sisters,
I would like to share this to you which happened on me recently. Something bad happened in my work. I have be patient with my work and a colleague for long long time. But, an incidents happen and I know all this happen is because of the cause of this colleague.
Since, i feel regret and sorry for myself that I didnt confronted her last time and let it be. I decided to face this situation and confronted her. She does confess it at all and putting so and so in this situation to cover up whats she has done.
I know I done nothing wrong. Despite, I cried for it and infront this person. Dont know why, I feel is really fine and nothing to be ashamed. I know if I cry for it….my God will cry even louder than me.
I feel something seems has changed in me but I dont know how to explain it. Honestly,I feel I still the same but just…..haha….dont know how to express it.
Hope all of you will hang on there if you have difficulty in life now. I know I will be fine because I know my God is smarter than the devil and He is justice. I have no fear to follow Him.
FLACO on November 2, 2010 at 4:55 pm
Ive been going through a divorce past couple of years final now.Ive been very active in church (worship band). I have been going through very difficult financial time very carefully making sure work dont interfere with worship (ie practices and what not). Seems like im gonna have to give up worship band to find extra job. I am confused at this point. any suggestions?