I am convinced one of the most powerful forces in life is hope. As a pastor for many years, many have sat in my office feeling hopeless, often in their marriages. Unfortunately, several couples wait too long to seek counsel. When they finally do, they likely have already determined nothing will help, things can’t change, and there is no point in trying. In these cases, I had to convince them there was hope before we could even move forward. Without hope, nothing would change for the better, but if they believed there was hope, only then would things truly begin to turn around.
THE DANGER OF HOPELESSNESS
Hope brings inspiration to continue to work, to struggle, to try. When we become hopeless, we stop trying and give up. Without hope, we give up on our dreams, relationships, or jobs. Without hope, we lose self-motivation. Without hope, we give up on life. While hope gives life, hopelessness can threaten the continuation of life. Hope is a critical component to our health, happiness, contentment, and fruitfulness.
THE SOURCE OF HOPE
What is more than hope is the source of our hope. For the follower of Christ, our hope comes from the promises found in scripture.
This hope we have as an anchor of the soul,
a hope both sure and steadfast...
The hope referenced here is the hope found in the promise of God, fulfilled in Jesus Christ. This hope is based on the character, integrity, and power of God. It is based on God’s willingness and ability to fulfill His promise. This is a hope made certain by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Natural hope can disappoint us, because people, institutions, and circumstances are fallible.
Now hope does not disappoint, because the
love of God has been poured out in our
hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Paul assures us this hope does not disappoint. It is a hope found in Jesus, sure and steadfast. In any circumstance, this hope is an anchor for our soul, an eternal hope in a faultless God.
The hope found in Jesus Christ is life-giving and never failing. Anchor your life to Him, and ride out the storms toward the victory guaranteed in Christ.
by Jimmy Aycock