Hope in Christ
Have you ever walked through a season of darkness, feeling like there is no hope? I certainly have. On one particular anniversary of my mom’s passing away from cancer, I was struggling with hopelessness. In that same year, I had three young Christian friends also pass away from cancer. I knew that they were with Jesus, but I was still dealing with why God had not healed them on this side of heaven. They had young children and ministries that were honoring God.
There can be many reasons we have seasons of dealing with hopelessness. Separation from loved ones due to death, divorce or conflict, a prolonged illness, overwhelming trials at work or home, hormones, lack of vitamin D and sunlight are just a few of the things that can plunge us into depression. Some of us are more wired to see the cup half-empty instead of half-full. How can we move forward in our lives with more hope and confidence?
One psalm that has helped me is Psalm 42. “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God” (Psalm 42: 5,11). It’s so encouraging to see that questions and honest prayers are important to God. The psalms of lament are full of questions to God. There are valid reasons for discouragement, but there are more reasons for hope. “The result is not deadening his sense of sorrow but rather setting it in right relationship to God” (Morgan). I may not feel like praising God, but I will choose to do it because He is worthy of my hope. The psalmist challenges his soul and brings His feelings to God. It may be easy to surrender to our feelings, but we are encouraged to preach the gospel of hope to our souls. What is this hope he is talking about? The word for hope in Hebrew means to wait, hope expectantly, and be patient. It’s not a pie-in-the-sky dream but a confident expectation that something better is truly coming. Hope in the Bible is not about circumstances getting better but trusting in the One who is better. The psalmist’s hope was in God who was his salvation. The word for salvation here is “presence” and means His face and countenance. “Note well that the main hope and chief desire of David rest in the smile of God. His face is what he seeks and hopes to see, and this will recover his low spirits” (Spurgeon). Our hope is looking up to the one who will save us, Jesus Christ, our living Hope.
The New Testament is clear where we find our hope. Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3). As believers, we have a living hope who has defeated sin and death, and His name is Jesus! The word for hope in Greek also means a good, joyful, and confident expectation of eternal salvation. Saints in the Bible often didn’t see the promises of God fulfilled in their lifetimes but looked with eyes of faith to a future hope. Hope involves patience and trust in God’s promises and timing (Romans 8: 23-25). Hope is trusting God even when there seems to be no answer (Romans 4: 18-21). Faith and hope are tied tightly together (Hebrews 11: 1). Hope is an anchor (Hebrews 6: 18-20). Hope does not disappoint (Romans 5: 5). Hope comes from endurance and the scriptures (Romans 15:4, Psalm 119: 43). Hope is based on God’s faithfulness and unfailing love (Lamentations 3: 21-24). Our hope causes us to act boldly and confidently (1 Peter 3:15-16). What do you need to remember about hope to help you in a season of hopelessness?
Remember this season that our hope is not in a president, a job, a ministry, our 401K, our health, a perfect Christmas celebration or for circumstances to get better. As you enter this Christmas season, worship the One who is our only Hope. Preach to your soul, “Hope in God”! Fill your heart and mind with truth about hope by reading scripture and putting on worship music. Pray for yourself and others to know the hope that only Jesus can bring to our lives. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Romans 15: 13).
Written by: Laura Johnson
Laura Johnson was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas. She has been married to Robert Johnson for 46 years. They have three married daughters and seven grandchildren who all live in the area. She graduated from New Orleans Baptist Seminary with a Masters in Christian Education. She and Robert have been members at The Mount for 10 years, and she has led the Women’s Ministry team for five years. She loves to Bible journal and teach and create things to reflect her faith.