So what does Hope look like in one’s life? I have pointed out that hope has a name and that name is Jesus. Not only is He the treasure for which we hope for, He is the anchor of our faith.
Hope stands upon the truth of His love, His omnipotence, His omniscience and His perfect plan for each and every one who has been called by His name. I was chosen, not by any merit of my own.
Chosen and Redeemed by His own Sacrificial love. Do you believe that? If you do, then what would be the actions associated with that—what would your hope look like?
1. Peacefulness in the midst of chaos. If we believe that God is in control of everything, why would I ever worry about anything in my life? (Romans 15:13)
2. Joy in the midst of sorrow. I don’t mean a giddy, frivolousness. But deep in the core of your being wells up a sustained joy centered in Christ, even in the center of pain and sorrow. Much like Horatio Spafford as he wrote “It is Well With My Soul” as he mourned the loss of his beautiful daughters. (John 16: 21-23)
“Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!”
3. Faith displayed by your patience to wait on God’s Answer—never running ahead of Him. (Isaiah 40:31)
4. Love that is willing to go forth and tell others about Him. (Philippians 1: 17)
5. Devotion to Christ that will make you desire His word, His praise, and draws you to Him in prayer. (Psalm 42:1-2)
My prayer for you today is that God’s hope will fill your hearts and minds. I pray that you seek Christ as your greatest treasure, accepting Him as your Savior. For each and every believer, I pray that you recognize that you are filled to overflowing with the Holy Spirit—the very essence of God’s abounding love to comfort, guide, and fill you with joy, righteousness, and faith.
Listen to this beautiful hymn, It Is Well With My Soul
© 2014 Effie Darlene Barba
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to any brands, products or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides regarding the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”