Hope. One of the most beautiful words ever spoken, heard or read, is the word and concept of hope. Hope for a better and brighter tomorrow. Hope for peace. Hope for…well, the very word itself is positive and bright, isn’t it?
It is often said that we cling to hope — that having hope sustains and helps us to keep moving forward. Hope is in fact, universal, but for Christians in particular, hope isn’t just something we should have, but something we without question, must have.
“Hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.” – Romans 5:5
God is telling us straight out that hope will not disappoint us, because He has poured out His love directly into our hearts by the power of the Holy Spirit, which He has given us. God has filled us with the Holy Spirit and nothing is stronger than God and He put hope right into our hearts — why then should we stress or worry, when God Himself is protecting us?
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” – 2 Timothy 1:7
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.” – Psalm 145: 18-19
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” – Proverbs 3:3-6
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – John 14:27
Life in our world can be exasperating and overwhelming and that can make having hope very difficult. When we’re feeling beaten down, its important to get ahead of the stress by taking time to clear our thoughts and focus on the good — focus on God’s assurance that we have nothing to fear. Trust in God and know that He loves us and wants only the best for us. Trust His will and let Him guide you. And most important, let go of all anger, hatred, jealousy and bitterness and open a direct line of communication with God — once we’re open to hearing Him, we will and what we hear will always be centered on love, faith, compassion, forgiveness, peace and hope.
