“‘Now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in you.’” Psalm 39:7 WEB
New Year Reflection
As I open my new planner, I’m excited about what the year may hold. This will be one filled with lots of new things, including a graduation and other new chapters. The fresh pages of the planner produce a sense of anticipation and hope.
Some seasons seem heavier, more weary than others. Some may say the last several years have just been heavy, prayers are unanswered, and the future feels uncertain. In those moments, I’m reminded of King David. David in Psalm 39:7 asks, “‘Now, Lord, what do I wait for?’” (Psalm 39:7a WEB). In those moments of uncertainty, feeling lost, we often ask God similar questions. We all long for wisdom and clarity on our futures and prayers, yet we are missing the mark. It’s not about what we desire, it’s about God’s plan. David responds to his own question, assuring God where his hope is, and it is found in the Lord, what a powerful declaration, “‘My hope is in you.’” (Psalm 39:7b WEB).
Anchoring
The Hebrew word for the phrase, “my hope,” is תּוֹחֶלֶת (tocheleth). Tocheleth (Strong’s H8431) means expectant. David was expectant in his waiting for the Lord, yet another word for hope is tiqvah (Strong’s 8615) תִּקְוָה (tiqvah). Tiqvah doesn’t describe wishful thinking or fragile optimism. (Found in Psalm 62:5) Instead, it carries the image of a rope, anchor, or lifeline — something we cling to. Biblical hope isn’t passive; it’s intentionally anchored in God’s character and promises. We are expectant of God’s goodness and faithfulness.
Hope isn’t wishful thinking–it’s a lifeline anchored in God.
The psalmist, David, wrote about the brevity of life throughout this particular psalm, reflecting on human limitations. He understood that placing hope in situations, health, people and his plans would eventually disappoint or fail. Those things aren’t certain. But God is faithful. David’s declaration of his tiqvah in the Lord meant he was choosing to anchor his heart into something greater, something unshakeable.
When we find hope in the Lord, doesn’t mean the struggles in life don’t find us. It doesn’t mean we have it all figured out. It means we stop looking at the world to fix it and start trusting the Lord. Hope in the Lord steadies our emotions when they run high, He grants us strength when even breathing seems impossible, and He reminds us that He is greater than the world.
When the future feels uncertain, let your hope cling to the Lord. May Psalm 39:7 become your prayer.
While maybe you are grasping for the next great thing, ask the Lord to redirect your heart back to Him, releasing control and anchoring to the One who created you.
Hope is not having all the answers, but knowing the one who holds them.
Prayer
Lord, redirect my heart and hope to be anchored to You. Lord, I trust You with my life and my future. I surrender all the things I’ve tried to hold on to. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Hope in the Healing: A 40-Day Journey Through Chronic Illness
Hope in the Healing: A 40-Day Devotional Journey Through Chronic Illness
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