When You’re Afraid to Get Your Hopes Up
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Photo by anthony tran on unsplash
I came across an intriguing statement when I was reading my Bible the other morning. It was in Mark 6, just after Jesus walked on water and calmed a storm. Mark tells us that the disciples in the boat “just sat there, unable to take it in…For they didn’t want to believe” (vv. 51-52b, TLB)!
Why wouldn’t they want to believe? I wondered.
As I pondered, it occurred to me that one possible reason was that they were afraid to get their hopes up. They had an idea that Jesus was the Messiah, and at least some of the disciples had already declared their belief in Jesus’ identity (see John 1:41).
But maybe doubt and fear had started to creep in. Maybe they feared they were mistaken and were setting themselves up for disappointment. Yes, Jesus had done miracles…but would He continue to do them? Was He really the Messiah—their Rescuer and Redeemer?
Perhaps by withholding belief, they were, in essence, trying to protect themselves from being let down.
WHAT IF I’M DISAPPOINTED?
It’s easy to judge the disciples for their hard hearts. But how often do we struggle in a similar way?
We see God provide in one area of our lives—perhaps through a financial blessing. But then another problem comes up—maybe this time a health issue. And we’re right back to our doubts and fears, wondering, Will God come through this time?
We want to believe that He will…But we also kind of don’t want to let ourselves believe because what if He doesn’t? What if we get our hopes up and then are disappointed?
Unbelief whispers that if we don’t expect too much, we won’t be disappointed. But what it doesn’t tell us is that if we don’t expect anything, we reduce the likelihood that we’ll receive anything. In other words, by choosing not have an expectant outlook, we often miss out on good things.
On the other hand, God’s Word reveals the only sure way to avoid disappointment: By believing what God says and expecting to actually see Him come through in our lives (see Romans 10:11).
In fact, simply believing is Jesus’ core command to us as Christians! He told His followers, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent” (John 6:29 NLT).
GOD IS WHO HE SAYS HE IS
If we really want to experience the life of power and miracles that Jesus demonstrated and came to make accessible to us, we need to reject fear’s lies and, instead, have the courage to believe
that God will supply all our needs (Phillippians 4:19).
that He will lead us into all truth (John 16: 13).
that He is our Healer (Luke 4:40; Psalm 30:2-3; Psalm 103:2-5).
that He speaks to us and we can hear His voice (John 10:27).
that Christ made us righteous before God (2 Corin. 5:21).
that He has given each of us gifts (1 Peter 4:10)
that He has called each of us to specific good work (Ephesians 2:10).
and so much more!
As believers, all fruit in our life comes from being connected to Christ through believing in Him—believing that He IS Who He says He is and that He WILL do what He says He will do.
FIGHTING UNBELIEF
So what should we do when we’re struggling with unbelief?
Personally, when I’m confronted with doubts (I’m the first to admit that many times I have been in the same “boat” as the disciples!), I do my best to refocus on what I know to be true: God is good and He is faithful.
I meditate on the ways He’s come through for me in the past—as well as the many ways He’s come through for friends, family members, and our biblical forerunners. (If He has done it before, He will do it again!)
I remind myself about what God’s Word has to say about my situation.
I choose to declare, “I trust you, God,” even when the path ahead looks bleak.
And, often, I find myself praying the prayer of the desperate father found in Mark 9:24: “I do believe! Help me believe more” (NCV)!
BEYOND WHAT YOU CAN ASK OR IMAGINE
God has a good purpose for your life, and He has called you to partner with Him in joyful good work. Don’t let doubt steal your destiny. Instead, together, let’s have the courage to get our hopes up, expect good things, trust God, and pursue all He is calling us to do.
We only have to believe, and we will see things beyond what we can ask or imagine!
As always, you are in my thoughts and prayers, and I’d love to hear from you! You can contact me here or through the comment section below!
In purpose and faith,
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