WHERE CAN WE FIND HOPE?
“And 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, NIV).
When we are surrounded by smiling friends and family, how easy it is to talk about hope. But when we find ourselves within the crucible, hope does not always seem so easy. Where can we find hope when we are confused, depressed, or looking for the meaning of life? Is hope found in success? A relationship? A movie or magazine? Perhaps a bottle of what what or drugs?
Some people spend a life-time looking for inner peace and assurance only to have it slip from their grasp. Perhaps you are also searching for hope. Searching for lasting joy, peace, and contentment.
As circumstances press around us, we begin to question everything, particularly the wisdom of God. Even though we don’t always understand God and He seems to do unpredictable things, that doesn’t mean that God is against us. It simply means that we don’t have the full picture yet. But we struggle with the idea that for us to have peace, confidence, and hope, God must be understandable and predictable. He needs to be, in our thinking. As such, we set ourselves up for disappointment.
“Have you been asking God what He is going to do? He will never tell you. God does not tell you what He is going to do; He reveals to you who He is.”
“ ‘For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you’ ” (Isa. 41:13,NIV).
Someone once said, “When God seems far away, who is the one who has moved?” When problems strike, we presume that God has deserted us. The truth is that He hasn’t gone anywhere.
It is one thing to imagine God guiding events on earth from a big throne light-years away from our earth. But it is an altogether different picture to realize that He is close enough to hold the hands of His dearly beloved people. When we are busy, it can be hard to remember that God is so close to us. But when we do remember that He is Emmanuel, “God with us,” it makes such a difference. When God’s presence is with us, so are His promises, His transforming power and His purpose.
Everyone is looking for hope. But from where is it found? For some people, hope is found in the smile of a friend. For others, hope grows from financial security or a stable marriage. Where do you normally look for hope and courage?
We can ONLY find the real abiding hope in the Word of God.
Recognize that God loves you and created you to know peace, happiness, and hope. You were created for a purpose. You are not here by chance. Your existence has meaning. The God who created the world knows you and wants you to have true happiness. No matter our situation in life there is reason to hope when we recognize the eternal God not only knows us, but also has planned for us to experience peace, joy, and hope.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV).
Jesus said, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full”. John 10:10 (NIV)
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16 MKJV.
Jesus invites, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."Matthew 11:28-30 NIV.
Do you have the hope of abundant life that God gives?
Which of the following two descriptions best describes your life right now?
a. You are living by your own wisdom and thoughts and you're experiencing discord, lack of peace, and do not have hope for an abundant eternal life.
b. Jesus is directing your life, giving you wisdom to make right choices, and has filled you with joy and hope.
"Ask and it shall be given to you; seek and you shall find; knock and it shall be opened to you." Matthew 7:7 MKJV.
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God." Ephesians 2:8 MKJV.
At every moment possible, try to remind yourself that the God of the universe is close enough to you to hold your hand and is personally promising you help.