In this life, where will we place our hope? That is the message Peter aims to convey in verse 13. The reality, however, is that even those of us who believe find it difficult to remain hopeful until that day arrives. It is essential that we take control of where our thoughts go and what our minds are occupied with. Without intentional hope-setting, we will be easily distracted by the false promises of satisfaction the world keeps presenting.
Historically, soldiers would tie their flowing robes into their belts in order to maintain freedom of movement and avoid any dangerous falls. Similarly, we are also to gird up our loins and to be sober in our thinking in order to secure the ultimate confidence in God's Word and to ensure that our confidence rests on the grace revealed in Jesus Christ. By focusing our minds continuously toward that grace, we will be assured of our confidence.
The key to avoiding the difficulties and trials of everyday life is to fix our eyes on Jesus and the truth of God's Word and nothing else. The moment we have girded our loins and fixed our eyes on the truth of Scripture, we will have placed our trust in Christ's finished work, and our confidence will remain strong.

Dear Heavenly Father, let me position myself for action, not to let the strange and difficult circumstances of our lives sway me. Trusting in Your Word gives me confidence. My thoughts and heart are asking for Your help in preparing me for the blessed experience of meeting Jesus in person, the embodiment of truth and grace. I pray that I will put Jesus first in every aspect of my life.
In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.