[Finding Hope in God’s Kingdom] Day 34 – Unfathomable Promise

Farmer of Hearts - Finding Hope in God’s Kingdom

When we build relationships with others, we need to get to know each other. As we continue to deepen our relationship with God, let us also take a moment to reflect on human nature.

Although God created humans in His own image, there’s often a clear case of “the goods not matching the label”! This isn’t because God made a mistake, but rather due to the sinful nature of man. Humans are selfish and self-centered, leading us to be greedy or to be overly calculating. These weaknesses are easy to spot in both ourselves and others. When we are taken advantage of or used by others for their gain, we feel angry.

There is only one being in the world who doesn’t mind us constantly drawing benefits from Him, and that is God! Hebrews 11:6 says: “And without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would approach him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

Take note. God does not set many conditions here. The only requirement is that we believe in His existence and that He will reward those who seek Him. This is no simple promise! Unfortunately, few people have uncovered this mystery, and most are only concerned with tangible, immediate benefits.

People tend to worry and live in the future, rather than in the present. Yet because “hope” relates to the future, those of us who often worry need to strengthen our “hope” to ease our anxiety about the future.

Who doesn't long for a better future? But this hope is often out of touch with reality. Especially as our bodies age, energy declines, and our ability to act or respond diminishes, even just thinking about these things can make us feel depressed! So deep down we know that a better future, while not impossible, is by no means easy!

When our minds are consumed by the idea that we are moving toward death, it is difficult to maintain a positive and proactive attitude towards what is happening to us. But we must remember that we are made for eternity. So we need to have a long-term vision and not be short-sighted!

Those who understand investment always go for long-term returns, not short-term ones. How much more should that apply to our lives? And here’s the greatest news: when we invest our greatest effort into building a relationship with God, the return isn’t just in heaven, but also here on earth.

One day, we will come to realize that we cannot rely solely on ourselves. We also know that relying on material things can’t bring spiritual comfort, only human relationships can bring spiritual satisfaction. Yet God desires to give us even more, He wants our souls to be satisfied. So, when seeking the best foundation to lean on, how can God not be our first choice!

Isn’t it so? Ask yourself: who in this world is all-powerful? Who can guarantee they won’t depart from this life before us? Who will always be with us in times of need? Who is utterly trustworthy and never breaks a promise? Who is eternal and unchanging? Besides God, who else? God's love for us is unconditional. Even when we fail Him, He never fails us. In fact, His very nature prevents Him from disappointing us! His love is also bottomless, and there is no “withdrawal limit.” Since we are created by God, He holds the blueprint of our being. No doctor knows how to heal and provide for our body, mind, and soul better than He does. Most importantly, God always puts our well-being first, even above His own. And because only God is eternal, only He can fulfill both our temporal and eternal needs!

If there were any person or product in this world that could offer such an extraordinary and transcendent guarantee, what else would there be to consider?

Therefore, we should not hold onto the misconception that God doesn’t want us to have “wealth” in this life. That is simply not true! It depends on what kind of wealth we seek.

God’s deepest desire is for us to have more, better, and the very best of all things! He has no hesitation in giving us a treasure that no one else on earth can give!

Reflection

Where is your time and energy currently being invested? What kind of benefit are you seeking?

Are your hopes placed in things, in people, or in God? Take a moment now to answer this question honestly and reflect on it.

After today’s reflection, do you better understand how deeply God cares for you and how much He longs to give you the very best? Please bring this into your prayer and pour out your heart to God.

Today’s Prayer

My dearest Abba Father, thank You for showing me how deeply I am loved, and how ignorant I have been! I have not examined how self-centered I am, how attached I am to earthly gains, and how ungrateful I’ve been. Even worse, I have not realized how blessed I am!

Why have I never seen the blessings You long to give me… never seen the love You want to pour out on me… never seen You…

I grieve over the blindness of my heart! I don’t even know when it started, but my heart seems to have hardened! There is no space, no flexibility… nothing can melt it…

Now I invite You into my inner room, awaken me, melt me, bring me back to life! Teach me to see that nothing and no one in this world can compare to You. There is no promise on earth that can give me the security You offer. Let me proclaim to the world: from this day on, You alone are my hope and my love!

--------------------

Fundraising Appeal

Thank you for participating in this 40-day Lenten spiritual journey. We hope you have been inspired and have benefitted from it! For the spiritual benefit of all of you, Fountain of Love and Life devotes a lot of time and effort in producing various spiritual projects every year, and all our ministries are sustained by the generous donations of our supporters. We hope you will support us with prayers and donations. Please make an online donation using the button at the top of the website Lent.FLL.cc. Thank you very much for your support. God bless!

The following is the “Farmer of Hearts: Finding Hope in God’s Kingdom” team, including FLL staff and volunteers.
Please kindly pray for them. May God protect them and sustain their physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

Writer: Paul Yeung
Project Manager: Michael Lam, Rosa Tse
Editors: Bonny Chan, Rosa Tse
English Editors: Bonny Chan, Paul Yeung
Mandarin Editor: Anthony X.
Cantonese Narrator: Margaret Woo
English Narrator: J. Johnson
Mandarin Narrator: C. Zhou
Audio Editors: Cyan Cheung, Sander Lee, Margaret Woo
YouTube Editors: Arnold Chan, Cyan Cheung, Sander Lee
Graphics: Francis Lai, Carmen Tsang, Rosa Tse
Website: Patricia Young, Angela Wong
Podcast: Angela Wong
Social Media: Yollie Leung, Carmen Tsang, Rosa Tse

Theme Music:

"3 MINUTES RELAXATION MUSIC | 4K Scenic View of Tuscany" by Introvert Pianist https://www.youtube.com/@introvertpianist

“Sea of Memory” by Aakash Gandhi https://www.youtube.com/@88keystoeuphoria

★ Support this podcast ★