This morning I spent time focusing on the theme of hope in the Bible. What is hope? Hope is a positive expectation of the outcome of something in the future. The Christian's greatest hope is that of spending eternity in Paradise with God. We also have hope regarding closer events. We have hope for the positive outcome of events of today and tomorrow.
Doing some quick online research I found that the word "hope" is found somewhere between 126 and 130 times in the Bible, depending on the translation. Hope is a key characteristic of the Christian's faith. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 13:13 "Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love". Hope is right up there with faith and love, except that love is what remains when our hope and our faith has completed it's course.
In that famous verse in Jeremiah 29:11 where we read that God has plans for us, we once again find the word "hope" featured: Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT) For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. God's plan for us is that we should have hope!
Where is the source of our hope? It's found in Christ: Colossians 1:27b "...Christ in you, the hope of glory". Who empowers that hope? It's the Holy Spirit: Romans 15:13 (NKJV) "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit".
Another amazing verse of scripture regarding hope is found in Psalm 146: Psalm 146:5 (NKJV) "Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, Whose hope is in the Lord his God". God is for us, He helps us, He is invincible, nothing is impossible for Him. He is the very best One we can place our hope and our trust in. We have a God who loves us and won't disappoint us.
So today, I encourage you, don't lose hope. Keep your eyes on the Lord, Hope in Him, He will bring you through whatever difficulty trouble or trial you may face. He is your hope for the future. All is not lost, hope in the Lord, He has plans to give us a future and a hope.