[408 words]
Have you been struggling with some feelings of hopelessness lately? Whenever we have a hard time seeing the end in sight or we face uncertainty or are exposed to fears and anxieties, it can undermine our determination to have hope. Yet, over a hundred times in Scripture, God points us to the hope His children have through Him and His promises. We have such a resource because of the rock-solid expectation He provides. Whatever may happen to us this week, this month, or this year, the Christian can look forward with confidence at the fulfillment of what God through Christ promises us. And Scripture says it so many ways:
• Hope does not disappoint (Romans 5:5)
• Hope helps us persevere with eagerness (Romans 8:24-25)
• Hope causes rejoicing (Romans 12:12)
• Hope fills you with all joy and peace in believing (Romans 15:13)
• Hope is an abiding quality, alongside such elite qualities as faith and love (1 Cor. 13:13)
• Hope enables deliverance (2 Corinthians 1:10)
• There is one, unconquerable hope (Ephesians 1:18; 4:4)
• Hope is tied to earnest expectation and boldness (2 Corinthians 3:12; Philippians 1:20)
• Hope is connected to steadfastness (Colossians 1:23; 1 Thessalonians 1:3)
• Hope offsets grief (1 Thessalonians 4:13)
• Hope tunes our hearts to look for Jesus’ appearing (1 Timothy 4:10; Titus 2:13)
• Hope encourages the pursuit of our eternal life (Titus 1:2; 3:7)
• Hope anchors the soul (Hebrews 6:19)
• Hope helps us draw near to God (Hebrews 7:19)
• Hope is tied to endurance (Hebrews 10:23)
• Hope is instrumental to faith (Hebrews 11:1)
• Hope prepares for eternity (Colossians 1:5; 1 Peter 1:3,13)
• Hope helps give a defense (1 Peter 3:15)
• Hope purifies (1 John 3:3)
Remember this:
“How blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, Whose hope is in the Lord his God” (Psalm 146:5).
“The hope of the righteous is gladness…” (Proverbs 10:28).
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I have hope in Him” (Lamentations 3:24).
“Christ Jesus…is our hope” (1 Timothy 1:1).
You will face nothing today or ever that is too destructive, terrifying, or powerful to offset this hope! That doesn’t mean be rash, reckless, or rebellious. It does mean be faith-filled, optimistic, and courageous! Are your faith and hope in God (1 Peter 1:21)?
Neal Pollard
Lehman Avenue church of Christ
Bowling Green, KY