HOPE For Something Better

Struggles in life knock us down and we begin to hope for something better. When you hope for a better tomorrow what are you really believing in? It came to my realization recently that a lot of times when people speak of hope it’s cheapened to this pitiful cop out word. We have reduced hope to a possibility, but a probably not. I “hope” things will turn around, but they are likely not going to. True hope is so much more than that.

The Amplified version of Romans 5: 1-5 says “THEREFORE, SINCE we are justified (acquitted, declared righteous, and given a right standing with God) through faith, let us [grasp the fact that we] have [the peace of reconciliation to hold and to enjoy] peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). Through Him also we have [our] access (entrance, introduction) by faith into this grace (state of God’s favor) in which we [firmly and safely] stand. And let us rejoice and exult in our hope of experiencing and enjoying the glory of God. Moreover [let us also be full of joy now!] let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance. And endurance (fortitude) develops maturity of character (approved faith and tried integrity). And character [of this sort] produces [the habit of] joyful and CONFIDENT HOPE of eternal salvation. Such HOPE never disappoints or deludes or shames us, for God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us.”

Are you suffering or having a bad day?  Do things seem to be going all wrong?  Do you hope for better days, but really feel like it will never come? Take that sorrow, press through the pain and rejoice.because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, 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.

When you stop and slow down and really think about the meaning behind the word it expresses so much more than a probably not. The dictionary defines hope as a feeling of expectation, and desire for a certain thing to happen; grounds for believing that something good may happen and a feeling of trust.  True hope is a feeling of expectancy and trust, trust in our God.

Hope in God is so much more than a whining desire of “could it happen, or maybe one day it might happen.” Hope is a deep belief. It’s a sure fire expectancy and a trust in God that brings you peace because you have a deep understanding of knowing Gods character.  It’s a loving silence that tells our Savior you know He has it all under control. Lay your burden at the foot of the cross and run to Jesus! Put your worries to rest and have HOPE in your future because when you have hope in God it doesn’t matter what the outcome is. You have an inner rest and peace knowing He wants what is best for you and He’ll guide you every step of the way to get there!  Press forward, seek God and HOPE for God’s best for your life! Once you do you’ll find a peaceful rest that only hope in the Lord can bring!