What is hope?
“An optimistic state of mind that is based on an expectation of positive outcomes with respect to events and circumstances in one’s life or in the world at large.”
In short, hope is looking forward, with confident expectation, to that which we do not have. So where do we find hope when our life is unraveling into hopelessness? That is a very good question.
When I experienced some of the darkest times of my life and felt completely hopeless, it was God and His promises that comforted me even though I was no longer living my faith.
God was faithful even though I was faithless. Three promises kept my heart beating:
All Things Work Together for Good for those who love God… (Rom 8:28).
He has plans to prosper not to harm me, to give me a future and a hope… (Jeremiah 29:11).
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity [of hopelessness, addictions, unresolved pain…]. (Jeremiah 29:13)
Pastor Rick Warren says, “You never know God is all you need until God is all you have.”
I agree with him; I lived it!
It was God’s promises that brought me comfort and hope. It was the truth of God’s promises, as I experienced them, that quelled my fears and doubts about God and guided me back to Him. “His faithful promises are [my] your armor and protection.” Ps 91:4
WINGS OF HOPE
…For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.
For a child is born to us… He will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His government & its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness & justice…For all eternity. (Is 9:2b, 6a, 6b, 7a & 7b)
There is no accident that we are living at such a time as this. It is intentional and with purpose. We are meant to be here!
At a time when man pursues what the world values instead of what God values.
At a time when sin lives as a personal right with no regard of harm to one’s self or others and no regard or accountability.
At a time when we are divided- Father against son; neighbor against neighbor; nation against nation.
At a time when evil is good & good is evil. When lies are truth & truth are lies. When violence has made a home in America.
And yet, despite the dark clouds- There is an unquenchable spring of hope that lives within us. You, Lord, lift us up to fly in the blue skies above.
You have given us Wings of Hope to soar above the world’s noise & chaos. May our lives bring you honor & glory. For you, Lord, are our strength & our song!
You have shown us incomprehensible & boundless grace & mercy, your truth & faithfulness is constant. You are the God of second chances.
You are faithful even when we are faithless. You love us even when we are unlovable. Your love never fails!
Our righteous acts are but filthy rags to you; We are unworthy & yet, you entrust us with Your message of worthiness- To carry to a suffering & lost people.
May your glory fill the whole earth; For you, Lord, are worthy of all praise. You are our unquenchable spring; you are our Wings of Hope!
Sparrow’s Song- Ps 108: 1-6