Now this will give you hope!

In Proverbs 13:12 in the Living Bible, it says “Hope deferred makes the heart sick; but when dreams come true at last, there is life and joy”. This is intriguing because many people never see their dreams or hopes come true, and in many cases, it takes their joy away, and it could even make them sick. Now I’m not talking about getting that fancy shirt you wanted, or the newest iPhone. I’m talking about real, serious dreams and hope; hope for your future; hope for your family; hope for a home where you can raise your children, etc. Hope is vital to humans. It keeps the flame alive in one’s heart. It gives you strength to endure a difficult season. It gives you joy to know that even though you are currently working really hard for something, someday it will become a reality. That is why you must always guard your hope. Romans 15:13 says, “So I pray for you Gentiles that God who gives you hope will keep you happy and full of peace as you believe in Him. I pray that God will help you overflow with hope in Him through the Holy Spirit’s power within you”. Can you see how the Holy Spirit can help you overflow with hope? Have you given your hopes, dreams and desires to God? God will strengthen you as you go through all of life’s challenges, and one day, He will allow you to see your hopes, dreams or desires come to pass, and you will experience life and joy!

Proverbs 13:12 (TLB) -“Hope deferred makes the heart sick; but when dreams come true at last, there is life and joy”

God knows what is in your heart!

Proverbs 12:20 – Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.

When the scriptures speak of the heart, it is speaking of the center of your emotions, intentions and values. You are to “Keep your heart with all diligence,
For out of it spring the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23). Jeremiah 17:9 says “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?” We have to daily fill our hearts and minds with that which is righteous, good, just, holy, loving and peaceful. If we don’t, then we give opportunity for the devil to fill our hearts with all kinds of deceit. Many of the thoughts we think actually do not come from our our own reasoning. Many come from outside forces. As you fill your hearts with God’s word and love, it will push out all of the thoughts that would try to deceive you. Never forget, “as a man thinks, so is he”(Proverbs 23:7).