Thought: Webster defines hope as a feeling of expectation and desire for certain things to happen, a feeling of trust.
Hope is also something that is void in the lives of many causing a high suicide rate worldwide.
We hope that our children will find their way and live a happy life. We hope that our boss will give us a raise. We hope that we can take a vacation this summer. All these things that could happen in the near future are feelings of expectation.
Trust works hand in hand with hope. Without a vision or plan some turn to alcohol or drugs to numb the feeling of helplessness. It’s not just about ourselves. I Tim. 4:16 “Keep a close watch on all you do and think. Stay true to what is right and God will bless you and use you to help others.”
We are made to help each other. Reaching out to others takes the focus off of ourselves and what we don’t have. When hope is shared with others by reaching out with kindness and understanding it gives you a purpose and meaning to your own life. We all need encouragement now and then.
Hope is found in the One who can give you that plan and purpose. It’s found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. “II Tim. 2:8 “Don’t ever forget that Jesus Christ was a Man, born into King David’s family and that he was God, as shown by the fact that He rose again from the dead.”
Col. 1:15-19 “Christ is the exact likeness of the unseen God. He existed before God made anything at all, in fact, Christ himself is the Creator who made everything in Heaven and earth, the things we can see and the things we can’t, the spirit world with it’s kings and kingdoms, it’s rulers and authorities, all were made by Christ for his own use and glory. He was before all else began and it is his power that holds everything together. He is the head of the body made up of his people—that is the church— which he began: and he is the leader of all those who rise from the dead so that he is first in everything: for God wanted all of himself to be in his Son.”
Hope can become a part of your life through Christ. He has a plan for you and he loves you dearly. Jer. 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you saith the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and HOPE. In those days when you pray, I will listen. You will find me if you seek me and you look for me in earnest.”
God’s kind of hope: Rom. 15:13 “For I pray for you Gentiles that God who gives you HOPE will keep you happy and full of peace as you believe in him. I pray that God will help you overflow with HOPE through the Holy Spirit’s power within you Church membership, tithing and good deeds will not get you into Heaven. Whether you know Christ as your personal Savior is your way to Heaven. What is the Christians Hope? That we will see Christ again when He calls us up (rapture) to be with him forever.” I John 4:14 “We know how much God loves us because we have felt his love and we believe him when he tells us he loves us dearly. God is love and anyone who lives in love is living with God and God is living with him.”
Prayer: Father God thank you for this assurance that we are loved and you’re coming again for all those who are yours. Amen Verse: I John 3:3 “And every man that hath this HOPE in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.”