I’m not a gambler, but I have been in casinos a few times. The lights and the sounds are intended to thrill the senses, and each machine has been designed to draw me in, to entice me into dropping my coins into its slot. How do I choose? Which machine is most likely to pay out?
My hope is like the coins in a casino. I have so many options when choosing where to put my hope, things that seem exciting with bright lights and cheerful music. Do I put my hope in my career, striving after wealth and status? Do I put my hope in a new, exciting relationship? Do I put my hope in a house in a safe neighborhood? Do I put my hope in cryptocurrency or a go-fund-me page or becoming an influencer or more school or a better car or a more stylish haircut?
The list is endless. There are countless things in life that seem worthy or exciting or promising where I can put my hope. But how can I choose? How do I know which one will pay out and give me what I seek?
David, the author of today’s verse, knew the answer. The only sure bet is to put my hope in the Lord. He always pays out with exactly what I need at exactly the right time, even if it’s not what I expect.
In that casino, there is a small slot machine in a back corner with a simple sign on it marked “I AM”. It is beautiful but not showy. It is quiet, so most people walk right by it. If I look closely I see that there is only one symbol on the reel so every time I pull the lever, I will get a winning line. I pull out my small bag of hope and drop all my coins into the machine one by one, pull the lever, and, sure enough, I get Jesus, Jesus, Jesus which comes with the prize of infinite love and eternal life.
Dear God,
I’m so grateful that you are a sure bet. I can put all of my hope in you, and you will not disappoint me. I can go through my day with courage and certainty that you are with me. You won’t cheat me or abandon me. Ever. Forgive me for putting my hope in anything else. Nothing is sure like you.
CamDevo 