Dwell – Day 2
Hebrews 11:1
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
What is hope?
The word hope in English often conveys doubt. For instance, “I hope it will not rain tomorrow.” In addition, the word is usually followed by the word so. This is the answer that some may give when asked if they think that they will go to heaven when they die. They say, “I hope so.”
The world outside of Christ encourages you to find hope in those around you, hope in the outcome of your choices, and, in some cases, hope in how something makes you feel.
This view of hope will only lead to empty promises.
I was once living my life hopeful that people around me would change. I hoped that the family environment I was currently in would change for the better so that I would no longer need to change my personality based on what home I was visiting during the holidays. I was hopeful that if I could just erase some memories from my past, I would be able to go on living life as if nothing bad happened.
The world told me that is how to cope and find hope.
Shove it down.
Shove it away.
There is a better future ahead IF you ignore it all.
That mindset almost cost me my life.
The Bible has a lot to say about hope, and biblical hope has faith in God as its foundation.
Unlike the world representation, there is no doubt attatched to this view of hope because it is rooted in your faith in Christ.
The evidence you have of what you have seen God do in your life and in the lives of others is the ammunition you need to fuel lasting hope. The world could never offer this.
I am beyond thankful for this understanding of true hope.
We do not have to fear trials that inevitably come-we can rest in His hope for our future.
We do not have to be taken out by anxiety and loneliness-we can fight with the ammunition that is found in the foundation of our faith.
Because of Jesus, I Am living with True Hope.
Guided Prayer:
Gracious Father, thank you for your faithfulness. Time and time again, you rescue us from the darkness and guide us back to a solid foundation. Please remind us daily that we do not need to have all of the answers or even know what the future looks like. As long as we place our faith in you and live confidently in your plan, your promise is true.
Thank you for your grace and mercy, which is new every day. Amen.