Choose to Hope

by Emily Wooten
Have you ever had a family member in the hospital? Perhaps you were the one caring for them. In those moments, it is natural to watch the door and eagerly wait for the doctor to come in with good news. When we find ourselves in difficult situations, it can be easy to place all of our expectations on what medicine can do. Yet for those who have accepted Jesus as Savior, there is hope that reaches far beyond medical science.
We are grateful for physicians, nurses, and healthcare professionals. It is entirely appropriate to pray for them and ask God to give them wisdom, insight, and effective treatments that aid the healing process. God has placed these individuals in positions where they can help people in times of need, and we should be thankful for their dedication and care.
At the same time, medicine is not the final answer. Healthcare professionals do everything they can, but ultimately our trust must rest in God.
When a loved one is suffering, anxiety often tries to make itself at home in our thoughts. Uncertainty can create fear, and fear can challenge our faith. Yet scripture reminds us:
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1
As we sit in a hospital room and face an uncertain future, we can choose where we place our focus. We can look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. When doctors deliver reports that show little or no improvement, we are presented with a choice. We can allow fear to dominate our thoughts, or we can turn to our heavenly father and ask for his help. We can acknowledge his power to do what we cannot. We can choose to hope.
Anxiety does more than affect our emotions. It can also impact our physical health. The digestive, cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular, and immune systems can all be affected by prolonged stress and worry. God never intended for us to carry burdens.
Consider these promises from His Word:
Philippians 4:6–7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you.
Matthew 6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Isaiah 26:3–4 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusts in you. Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.
These are only a few of the many scriptures that encourage us to keep our minds fixed on God rather than on our circumstances. We can choose to meditate on what he says instead.
Court date coming up? Choose to ask God for help and insight, then trust in his ability.
Need to have a procedure done? What is the confidence in your spirit? Pray, asking for God’s wisdom and talk to God like you would an old and trusted friend. You will find that he is waiting to share his thoughts with you.
Perhaps you are a new mother who finds herself second-guessing every decision. Your heavenly father cares deeply about every detail of your life, and he knows exactly what you need. As you seek him, he will provide direction and peace.
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
You control your thinking and only you can choose to trust and have faith or doubt and fear.