Hope

 

 I sat in this chair at the lake yesterday and pondered HOPE. I don't know how to explain it. Hope. It is ELUSIVE to those who see things 'realistically and practically'. Often these are the two words that pop into a conversation one might have concerning an especially hopeless situation. 

If you are in what feels like an ongoing difficult situation remember these facts: 

Hope is mentioned 129 times in the Bible.

 49 times are directly from the original Hebrew. 

It is mentioned alongside faith and love and other virtues like peace and joy. 

God is a God of hope.

Romans 15:13 NIV

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

To me it seems like too many times we are like Garrison Keillor's Lutheran hometown. If ever someone is too positive or happy or joyful they are due for a reality shock and probably not living in victory. Because being a good Christian makes you cautious and AWARE of the wiles of the devil, more so than being hopeful and trusting. (If you don't know anyone with that mindset, glory be.)

We don't want to admit it, but underlying all of this realism is a good dose of fear. We are afraid to trust. We are afraid to hope. Why? Because it might not hold. Because it might not be real. Because we decide to play God at figuring out why people do what they do and how they should or could do differently.

Which is the point. It must be God's hope, righteousness, faith, love and peace that abounds in our hearts. God of hope filling you with all joy and peace...so that you may trust in HIM and overflow with HOPE by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT.

The next time someone gives you practicality and realism, remind them how God works. And do not join their journey of doom and gloom and negativity. 

Our every day is already filled with dramatic headlines, gossip, and godless chatter. It seeps in under our doors like a fog creeping into the very corners of our rooms. It'll put you into complete darkness and desperation if you don't learn to say no to it.

Titus 2 11-13 NIV

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.it teaches us to say "NO" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in THIS PRESENT AGE. While we wait for the blessed hope-the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Be a hopeful, trusting person. Not because any person is worthy but because God is worthy.  The most powerful tool in showing people 'The Way' is by bringing them Jesus, Our God of hope, deliverance, and power. We can walk alongside the hurting and hopeless because we have this Hope to share. Do it in your own houses first. Even in the most perfect home we need hope to thrive and go forth.