How Hopeful Are You?

We all know how easy it is to get discouraged. We look at our circumstances, or sometimes the circumstances in the world at large, and we think that we have no hope.

Without diminishing the real tragedies that some people experience, I want to assure you we have hope.

One of the psalms asked the question: “I lift up my eyes to the hills–where does my help come from?” (Psalm 121:1). Then he answers his question: “My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! (Psalm 121:2).

We could substitute the word “hope” for the word “help.” We have hope because we have God.

Here are some things we all need to remember.

First, as long as there is God, there is hope. It’s hard for us to take a long term perspective on life. It’s hard because our lives are so brief. We are here for 70 or 80 or 90 years at best.

God takes an eternal perspective. He is able to do so because He is eternal. In Him, there was no beginning and there will be no end.

Because of who God is, we have hope. He is good, great, merciful, and righteous. He is the eternal God. Because of His compassion and love, we have hope in spite of the worst circumstances.

Second, we have hope because God freely bestowed it on us. He gave it to us by giving us his own Son.

No time of the year should be as filled with hope as Christmas. The Christmas event overflows with hope. Because God loved us so much, He came to be a part of our world. By doing so, He makes Himself fully and completely known to us.

In all of that, there is great hope.

Finally, we have hope because God is working everything together for our good. Right now, He is preparing a place for us. One day, He will come for us and we will live with Him forever.

It’s so easy to think only about this world and forget of the glories of the next. As someone said, the worst day of your life will be the very best day when you see the Lord and live in His presence forever.

“Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).

You can receive all of my daily devotionals in your inbox each morning by subscribing at www.waylonbailey.com. It’s a free service dedicated for your growth in Christ.

 

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2 Responses

  1. Waylon, thank you for yesterday’s sermon. It is very easy to slip into discouragement and sadness at this time of the year. I think my favorite verse is Hebrews 11:1. I seem to always go to it. Even before I accepted Christ. Your message yesterday reminded me to never let go of that hope. Sharon

  2. Wonderful encouragement. I reflect on…what is man that God is mindful of us, and He created us a little lower than the Angels. Such hope to know God has a plan.

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