How to HOPE in the LORD

While studying through the book of Psalms, I came across a tiny but powerful chapter

that led me down a revelatory deep dive into scripture and changed my perspective and

how I respond to life’s trials. Psalm 131 states:

1 My heart is not proud, LORD,

    my eyes are not haughty;

I do not concern myself with great matters

    or things too wonderful for me.

2  But I have calmed and quieted myself,

    I am like a weaned child with its mother;

    like a weaned child I am content.

3  Israel, put your hope in the LORD

    both now and forevermore.

Being a mother of two and reading this chapter through that filter, weaning and

calming/quieting oneself simply didn’t go together. There is a major difference between

a weaned and not-weaned child. A baby not yet weaned, clings to its mother for food

and instant gratification. A weaned child clings to its mother out of desire for

relationship. In Psalm 131, David differentiated from needing the blessings of God

(unweaned) to seeking God's presence out of love (weaned). David was able to quiet

and calm his soul because he hoped in the Lord. His relationship wasn’t based on

gratification but longing, so when he didn’t FEEL quiet or calm, David was able to cling

to the unchanging God of peace to endure the trials of life. But how?

The passage makes it sound like David was able to wean himself from his emotions and

thoughts. He seems to have the power to calm his own soul. Even as an adult, I often

struggle calming myself down, so I needed answers. I didn’t have to travel far because

2 major clues are in the same chapter: “my heart is not lifted up” and “put your hope in

the LORD.” First, we must humble ourselves to quiet ourselves, something easier said

than done, but a requirement. Next, we see that hoping in the LORD is the key to

calming and quieting our mind, will, and emotions. Those are nice words, but what does

it mean? How can I harness this hidden gem of life-altering wisdom?

There is more than one word for hope, but in this passage, hope is, yachal, which

indicates an active and expectant hope full of confidence and trust in the LORD’s

faithfulness, provision, and unfailing love.

It’s also important to know that when you see the word “LORD” in the bible in all capital

letters, it represents YHWH, the covenant-keeping God. This passage is an invitation to

remember the promises that God has given us so that we can learn about Him and how

to endure all things.

Before we can learn about how to hope in the LORD, it’s important to know why hoping

in the LORD is possible. According to the Bible, in Malachi 3:6, we can hope in God

because he doesn’t change - “Because I, the LORD, do not change, you descendants

of Jacob have not been destroyed.” One of the many unique and awesome attributes of

YHWH is that He is unchanging. We can cling to Him in challenging times because we

can trust that His promises and WORD never fail.

Now that we know why we can hope in the LORD, let’s look to scripture to see what

hoping in the LORD can do for us.

 First, Hebrews 6:19 tell us that hoping anchors our souls- “This hope is a strong

and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s

inner sanctuary.”

 Next, Romans 15:4 tell us that we gain encouragement and endurance- “For

everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through

the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we

might have hope.” 

 And lastly, Psalms 147:11 talks of how “the LORD delights in those who fear him,

    who put their hope in his unfailing love.”

It brings me great comfort to know that hoping in the LORD will anchor my soul, bring

endurance and encouragement for life’s trials, and give God delight.

We’ve learned the why hoping is possible and what it can do, lets practically dive into

scripture and learn how we can hope in the LORD. Here is a short list of biblically -

based principles to guide you:

Speak words of life. Start your morning verbally acknowledging, “Lord, my hope is in

You today.”

Trust in the WORD of God. Psalms 62:5- “Rest in God alone, O my soul, for my hope

comes from Him.”

Focus your thoughts on heavenly things. Colossians 3:1-2- “Since, then, you have

been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the

right hand of God.  2  Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

Memorize promises from the WORD to speak over your situation.

 For an uncertain future- Jeremiah 29:11 “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.”

 For fear -Isaiah 41:10 “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am

your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My

righteous right hand.”

 For provision Philippians- 4:19 “And my God will supply all your needs according

to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus”.

 For wisdom- James 1:5 “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God,

who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”

Love, pray, and minister to others: Hebrews 6:10-11- “For God is not unjust. He will

not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name as you have ministered

to the saints and continue to do so.”

End the day listing 3 things you are thankful for. 1 Thessalonians 5:18- “Give thanks

in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

One of the most important tools God has given is HOPE. It changes atmospheres and

situations. The enemy wants our focus on our feelings and what we see. But Jesus

wants our focus on Him. We are to hope-expectantly and confidently wait- with our trust

placed in our Savior. I encourage us to be like David- humble, expectant, calmed, and

quieted by our active hope in YHWH.