Humans
cannot live without hope. A disheartening existence crushes our soul, and
affects our health in body and spirit (Job 17:15). Adam's sin guaranteed for us
a life of struggle and trials; even creation suffers for it.
Yet,
when circumstances cut us off from our last thread of hope, many humans will
valiantly knit another one to keep from falling into the abyss of depression
and hopelessness. Our indomitable human spirit often refuses to give in or to give
up.
Authentic
Christians realize that we do not belong to this world, because it is not our
true home (1 Peter 2:11). Our immovable hope is in God, and our steadfast heavenly
mind-set gives us a positive attitude in the discouragement of this life (1
Corinthians 15:54-58).
God
is our real hope in times of trouble. As we walk in His truth, we are totally
alive and joyful (Proverbs 13:12). Our earthy existence is only a shadow of
what God prepared for His Saints (1 Chronicles 29:15).
Although
we all suffer trauma in this life, those who are Born Again in spirit have an
undefiled inheritance in the next life (John 3:16-17). Our current suffering is
but a wisp of vapor compared to eternity (James 4:13-14).
Jesus
in us fights for us through every negative experience (Joshua 10:25; John 5:6).
We trust in His salvation (1 Peter 1:3-6). We also rest in His presence, lie
down without fear, and are secure in the hope, which He provides (Job 11:18-19,
13:15).
Our
hopefulness springs from the reality that Jesus paid our sin debt on Calvary's
cross, that He conquered death by His resurrection victory, and that He fills
us with His Spirit. We look forward to rejoicing and praising God for eternity
with all of the Saints.
Prayer:
Father
God, we have access to Your throne any time day and night by our faith in Your
faithfulness. Our trials produce hope in us, which never disappoints us, and You
work out every issue for our ultimate good (Romans 8:28). Thank You that, even
while we were still sinners, You sent Jesus to die in our place, and that Your
Spirit pours out Your love in our heart (Romans 5:2-7; John 10:17-18, 15:13).
You
have a perfect plan for our life (Ephesians 2:10). In the face of the worse trial
life offers us, we never lose hope, because it is actually light and momentary
affliction, when compared to the incomparable, unseen weight of glory, which You
have prepared for us in eternity (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).
Thought
for the Day:
Our
last breath in this earthly realm is immediately followed by our first breath
in our eternal home; yet, while we remain on this earth, the power of God fills
our heart with joy and peace, and our hope abounds. - Romans 15:13
