Got hope?

A few weeks ago a pastor spoke at our church on the subject of hope. It got me thinking about our country and where our hope really comes from.

During the last part of 2008 I saw many ads and posters that said "hope" with the picture of our new president on them. There were even shirts like the old "got milk?" ads that said "got hope?" For some reason I was always bothered by these things, but couldn't quite figure it out.

In November, when the election was over, a certain talk-show host, who shall remain nameless said, "it feels like hope won." Then it hit me.

Our nation's hope was associated with a human. A politician. I'm not here to get political because he is our new president and I will respect him while he holds that position. What I am concerned about is our nation. Specifically where our hope lies.

Are we really to a point in this country where our hope lies in some politician? Or some celebrity? Because last I checked these people are human. I'm not sure about you, but I don't like putting my hope in someone who is so fallible. As all humans are.

It's like being in high school and having a crush on a boy who likes the head cheerleader. That kind of crush leads to some heart break and tears. Maybe that was just me.

I fear, with this mis-directed hope, that's where this country is going. I fear we're in store for some heart break and tears. I'm concerned that our nation has turned its focus from the One who is infallible. The One who won't break our trust. The One who does provide hope.

We are missing our Shepherd. When that happens, we place our hope in the temporary.

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

My hope for this nation isn't in the Oval Office. Isn't in the media. Isn't in a person. My hope is in God to do great things through those and in those. Without Him there is no hope.