It took some courage to open up and share their story of struggle with me. A heavy cloud seemed to surround us as we spoke and it felt like all the exits were closing. At those moments when words are not enough, and only listening matters, it is a struggle to remain positive. When the sun is shining down, the birds are singing, the bills are paid and no problems seem to plague us, we naturally feel hopeful. Having hope when it appears all hope is lost, can be a soul crushing challenge. When it feels like nothing is left, still there reason to hope in God. Hope in God is like a shaft of light from the heavens that transcends our darkness. In the words of Helen Keller, “hope sees the invisible, feels the intangible and achieves the impossible.” The promise to us from God is, “we know that for those who love God all things work together for good.” (Rom 8:28)
Hope in God gives us the ability to look at the garbage of our lives and see compost, a fertile future in the Lord.
Hopeful people do what is right even when they don’t see how it will all work out for good. Like Caleb, the Old Testament man of faith, they believe the promises of God and they are not afraid even though there are giants in the land. If obedience was easy and it’s rewards were immediate, then everyone would do good. Lot’s of people have wishful thinking but hopeful people take action. Someone has said, “hope is the ability to hear the music of the future, faith is the ability to dance to it today.” May God gives us ears to hear and faith to dance.
Hopeful people are patient and willing to wait for the best things. They treasure most those things that last forever. If we put all our hope in the passing treasures of this world, we will be disappointed again and again. Naturally, we want to feel secure and know our needs will be met. Beyond necessities however, the expectation that this life will deliver on a promise of true happiness and joy will lead to much dissatisfaction. There are eternal treasures reserved for those who hope in God, who choose not to long for the pleasures of this world. Jesus said, “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Treasuring love, pursuing peace and practicing the virtues of generosity and kindness, will enrich our lives in ways money and things never can.
Hope is hard work and takes great patience but good things do come to those who wait. Hope in God, He is always faithful.
How blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God. Psalm 146:5