What does it mean to have true and lasting hope?
When trials enter our lives, when we go through unimaginable pain and stress, do we have the hope that God has promised us in His word? More times than I can count, I have tried to rely on my own strength to give me hope in a trying circumstance, yet Christ has provided a much better way for us to get through the pain, and it is NOT on our own strength.
God gives us hope in a variety of ways, let me give you a few examples:
1. His Son – (Ephesians 2:4-7)
“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.”
2. His Mercy – (Psalm 33:18-19)
“Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, On those who hope in His mercy, 19 To deliver their soul from death, And to keep them alive in famine.”
3. His Word (Psalm 119:42-44)
“So shall I have an answer for him who reproaches me, For I trust in Your word. 43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, For I have hoped in Your ordinances. 44 So shall I keep Your law continually, Forever and ever.”
These are just a couple of examples of what we can hope in with God’s love and provision, but there are many more examples God has given us in His word.
The other day I was driving and saw a bumper sticker “Religion is for the Weak”. Immediately when I saw that, I couldn’t help but feel sad for the driver. They had absolutely no hope.
No future after this life here on earth, no anticipation of heaven, no excitement to see their loved ones after death. Just to turn the tables slightly, don’t you think it might be “weak” to give up on ever hoping at all?
Challenge to You:
Pick one trial you might face today, whether big or small, and read back one of these verses to yourself. See the hope in that situation, don’t give up on the possibility of God’s mercy being extended out to you.
By: Erika Pizzo