In recent years, a trend was begun called, “Word of the Year.” I believe I learned about it from our daughter. The origin of the trend and the purpose for it, I do not know. However, I liked the idea and sought a word for myself. I came up with “Hope.” It has become, not just my word of the year, but word for my life. A friend learned of my “word” and gave me a beautiful wall hanging spelling “Hope.” I have it on a wall at our back door where I come and go every day. It is a constant reminder of hope and a comfort to me.
“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” – – Romans 15:13.
What’s That?
This hope is not keeping my fingers crossed and hoping, by chance, that my expectation will be fulfilled. This hope refers to a sure and joyful expectation that God’s wonderful promises will one day come true. This hope is based on knowing and having confidence in the sure foundation of the Scriptures. If God promised it, it will happen. For example, Jesus said, “I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go…I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:2,3). For believers, this is a sure hope for our future and should help us with our earthly struggles about life and death. God, who cannot lie, will fulfill His promises and we can base our hope on that truth. Hope is not *fingers crossed, “I hope so,” but fully confident, “I **know so” because God promised.
In Life’s Struggles
Everyone has hopes and dreams for their lives. Many are fulfilled and others fall short of the expectation. Often, life seems unfair because of failed hopes and dreams for ourselves, our family, and friends, for physical and mental healing that does not happen, for unexplained tragedies, and for prayers that seemingly go unanswered. This can cause disappointment, doubt, perhaps bitterness, loss of hope, and even a walking away from following the Lord. But the confidence we have in the Scriptures can keep hope alive and get us through the toughest trials.
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28). Do you love God? Are you His child? Then, rest in the hope that all things are working together for good. Cling confidently to that promise.
For The Future
When we are conceived, we become a living soul that will never die. Our earthly body may cease to exist but we will still live. Where we live eternally will be determined in whom we place our faith and hope. The familiar John 3:16 explains it all. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Our hope for the future is built on Jesus Christ, His life, His death, and His resurrection. If you do not have that hope, believe Him and receive Him now. For those who have already believed and received Jesus Christ as Savior, rest fully with confidence in the promise of hope of everlasting life in Heaven with Him.
On Christ the Solid Rock
My hope is built on nothing lessThan Jesus’ blood and righteousness.I dare not trust the sweetest frameBut wholly lean on Jesus’ name.On Christ the solid rock I stand.All other ground is sinking sand.All other ground is sinking sand.”
This is written because I care …Carlene
