A Sure and Unshakable Hope

What’s your definition of hope? How do you use the word hope in a sentence? If we’re unsure about the meaning of hope, a handy dictionary helps us check it out. According to the dictionary I am using it correctly. I often use the word as if it’s something I’m wishing for, daydreaming about, or planning toward.

I must admit when I look at the way I most often use this word that it sounds like it’s related to shallow things: I hope it doesn’t rain tomorrow. I hope there’s sunshine tomorrow. I hope the store has my size in that pair of shoes that I really want. I hope the check-out line isn’t long. I could go on and on about the ways I use the word hope. The ways I use it to express desires sound quite earthly and weak. It’s quite “me” centered, but I want to ascribe to this word the value and weight that is due. Hope is what believers in Jesus cling to.

Do you struggle with having real hope, like I do? Well, a spiritual tune-up reminded me of what hope really is. I found that:

• Hope is waiting on God’s promises.
• Hope is trusting in His timing.
• Hope is giving Him freedom to put together the puzzle pieces of my life in the way that makes the picture beautiful, whole, and complete.
• Hope is letting God put me back together on those days when I feel like I’m coming apart at the seams.

We’re not to seek God to “get” something from Him. We’re to seek Him just for Himself. However, there are grace gifts we receive when we rightly place all our hopes and affections upon Him.

• Hope stirs love.
• Hope draws us closer to God.
• Hope transforms.
• Hope heals.

Jesus’ birth brought hope to this weary world. May the promise of O Holy Night be fulfilled in you and me. “A thrill of hope, the weary soul rejoices! For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!” Let the light of Jesus illumine your path, guide your way, and give you unshakable hope!

Where’s your hope today? Is it in who God is or is it in circumstances or yourself trying to keep everything together? How can you flourish in a place of hope?