For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better HOPE did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. Hebrews 7:19
How do we find hope when our world comes crashing in around us? Yet, hope is what we need to be able to stand against the barrage of circumstances that would pull us under. Without hope, I could never have overcome the grief of being a young widow, the scars of abuse, the ravages of cancer, the decades of illness, and the fears of failure. Face it! This journey of life is tough sometimes. It does not always go as we plan. We all too often get caught up in striving to achieve. We want to press ahead. Think Positive! Find achievement on our own. Even we who know Christ as Savior, somehow want to prove that we can “work a little harder” and by such gain a better favor with God. Then we find that we fail. We find ourselves caught up in the same sin we vowed would never happen again. All that “positive thought training” comes tumbling down like the house of cards that it is. Did we have our hope in the wrong thing? All too often that is the case. Hope must be based upon something and someone who is our firm foundation. We find our hope can only be found in God Himself. Our only hope of salvation cannot be in our own ability to build a staircase to God through our own labor; rather, it is that He built that staircase through the redeeming work of Jesus Christ upon the cross. Without Him, there is no real hope.
those who forget God have no hope. They are like rushes without any mire to grow in; or grass without water to keep it alive. Suddenly it begins to wither, even before it is cut. A man without God is trusting in a spider’s web. Everything he counts on will collapse Job 8:11-14 (TLB)
Our hope is not based on our own strength, achievements, or abilities. It is founded upon the immutable word of God and His promises. Our righteousness is not based upon our ability to fulfill the law; rather, it is based upon the Righteousness of Jesus Christ-God’s only Begotten Son.
Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear Him, upon them that hope in His mercy; To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waiteth for the Lord: He is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name. Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we hope in thee. Psalm 33: 18-22
Does that mean I take that for granted and never try to obey God’s commands? Certainly not, love demands otherwise. Because of all that He has done for me, my heart longs to please Him and to bring honor to His name!! Yet, when I stumble and fall along this path, I need not lose hope; because my hope is not based upon me. I may not be able to see the finished perfection in my life yet; but, I can trust that God will finish the work He began in me. One day, I will look like Jesus. One day, the trials and struggles of this world will be a distant memory only. One day, I will stand clothed in His Perfect Glory before the throne of my Beloved Savior; filled with the fullness of His Joy forever! That truth gives me the strength to stand strong each and every morning of this life, filled with hope, joyous expectation, and singing a song of praise to God.
For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:24-28
My hope is not based on things of this world, it is founded upon God’s love, mercy and grace.
When things of this world crash down around me, I still have hope and a reason to rejoice. For that reason, whatever your circumstances today.
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations. Psalm 100
[tweetthis]Hope is found in the immutable word and promises of God[/tweetthis]
[bctt tweet=”Without Hope, how can anyone survive the circumstances of this life’s journey Hope is Jesus” username=”effiedarlene”]
[bctt tweet=”Perfect Hope is founded in God’s Immutable Word & Promises. The Word became flesh Jesus Christ” username=”effiedarlene”]
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Living Bible (TLB)The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2016
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the 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 Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.