3 Reasons to Have Hope
Our young adult class at church was going through Romans 5 last week, and the first five verses really stood out to our group:
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:1-5
What an encouraging reminder for 2020, that tribulations lead to hope! The word hope carries excitement and peace with it. It pushes past hardships and disappointments and challenges us to believe in something good and bright for the future.
But what is the hope that does not disappoint? I’m sure we’ve all hoped for something that didn’t work out, especially this year (hoping for a trip that had to be canceled, hoping for a scholarship and not getting it, or simply hoping for a good night’s sleep before a busy day and it not happening).
Romans 5 tells us that the hope that does not disappoint is hope in God’s glory and His grace. And we can have this hope because we have been justified and given peace with God because of Christ. We can rejoice in any trial because we know it will produce perseverance, which produces character, which produces hope. And hope doesn’t disappoint because we have God’s love in our hearts through the Holy Spirit.
Our world promotes placing our hope in ourselves, in science or medicine, in government, or the earth, but 2020 has shown that these are unstable foundations for hope. I have been reminded over and over that my hope cannot be in this world; it must be placed in Christ alone.
Below are three truths I’ve learned about hope:
1: I can have hope because of God’s character.
My soul, wait in silence for God only, For my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be shaken. On God my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God. Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah. Psalm 62:5-8
This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I have hope in Him.” Lamentations 3:21-24
God is our rock, salvation, stronghold, glory, strength, refuge, and portion. He gives us lovingkindness and compassion, and He is always faithful. Our God is awesome, He is love, and He is unchanging. Because of God’s character, we can trust Him to keep His promises and place our full hope in Him.
2: Our living hope is in Christ’s resurrection, pointing to His return.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:3-5
We have a hope of eternity and inheritance with Christ when He returns, and that hope is secure because it is placed in Christ’s resurrection. God fulfilled hundreds of prophecies by raising Christ from the grave. If He fulfilled all of those, we can have full confidence in Him fulfilling His promise of eternity to us. Our hope is a living hope because it is placed in our living Savior, Jesus Christ!
Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:13
For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. 1 Peter 1:20-21
Our hope is not in this world or in anything we can do. It is placed entirely in God and His work. That hope is secure.
3: Hope enables us to rejoice.
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, On those who hope for His lovingkindness, To deliver their soul from death And to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. For our heart rejoices in Him, Because we trust in His holy name. Let Your lovingkindness, O Lord, be upon us, According as we have hoped in You. Psalm 33:18-22
If we had no hope, there would be no reason for rejoicing, especially not when things are going wrong. But because our hope is placed in God’s character and in our salvation and inheritance with Christ, we can be joyful! We have the most awesome, loving Father ever who will never leave or forsake us, and that is a great reason to have hope and rejoice!
Throughout this year, I have continually returned to this verse whenever I’ve felt anxious or in need of strength:
Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God. Psalm 42:11
God is my hope and my help. I don’t have to be in despair or disturbed. I have a sure foundation in my Lord, so I don’t have to be shaken by the turbulence of our present circumstances. God’s got this, and that’s the best reason to hope.
I pray you have been encouraged and strengthened through these reminders about where we place our hope. Hope in God, my friends! 🙂
With love,
Kelsey
