Resource Details

Scriptures Used
Proverbs 13:12 (NIV); Luke 2:25-35 (NLT); Isaiah 1:18, 7:14, 9:6-7 (NLT);
John 3:16-17, 14:1-4, 6, 16-17 (NLT); Hebrews 13:5-6 (ESV)

Three Places We Look for Hope:

1. We look out at conditions and circumstances.
   • This leads to dissatisfaction.
     
     
2. We look inward at ourselves.
   • This leads to discouragement.
     
     
3. We look up to God.
   • This leads to lasting fulfillment.

ACTION PLAN: An honest assessment will tell you if you're filled with dissatisfaction, discouragement, or a sense of fulfillment. If you're discouraged or dissatisfied, redirect your focus by looking up to God, your source of hope. In prayer, tell him about those circumstances that have led to your dissatisfaction. Tell him how you've focused on your self-perceived inadequacies that have caused feelings that nothing will ever change. Confess that you've listened to your own inward voice instead of his voice. Thank him for being your salvation and for restoring hope to your heart. Begin with, "Father, I agree that I've been looking at my outward circumstances rather than looking toward you…" Continue in prayer as he leads you.

Look Up For:

1. God's promise of his coming.
2. God's promise of his nearness.
3. God's promise of his salvation

ACTION PLAN: Write a short personal inventory of your achievements and disappointments from the past year. The two columns could be "Achievements/Disappointments" and "Promises from God". Using the three promises that were discussed in the message: the promise of his coming (Isaiah 9:6-7); the promise of his nearness (Isaiah 7:14); and the promise of his salvation (Isaiah 1:18, John 3:16-17); match the promises to your achievements and your disappointments. Ask yourself how those promises changed or enhanced the outcome. As you write your goals for 2024, reverse the columns. Write the promises on the left column and match your goals to these promises of God.