“You will have courage because you have hope.” Job 11:18 NLT
“Hope is not a magical answer for realities; hope is, however, the answer in every reality!”
My thoughts today are about “fuel for the soul.”
People live everyday with hardships, but few if any will live well or long without hope. Hope is essential to the human spirit, not optional. It is a promise within the heart whispering that something better is ahead. It gives you reason to go on when you do not feel like doing so and otherwise would see no need. Someone has written about “hope being fuel for the soul.” No wonder so many are running on empty, and not getting very far or doing very well by doing so.
There may be no word more barren of life or forlorn of spirit than the word “hopeless.” The Bible describes every man’s common lostness without Jesus in these words, “At that time, you were without Christ . . having no hope, and without God, in the world.” Ephesians 2:12 NKJV. Can’t you almost feel the despair as you read those words? Hopelessness! Imagine being without Christ, with no hope and without God, in the world! I cannot imagine that for even a moment, and yet many people live life that way when they don’t have to. We are all “in the world,” same world, same possibilities, same problems. I would not want to be in this world of sin, suffering, and sickness – without God, without hope! When the first is true, the latter cannot be otherwise.
I just had a call from a dear friend of many years who was stunned to be told just days ago that she had inoperable cancer, incurable and virtually untreatable, with only brief months to live. The doctors could give her no hope medically, yet she bravely faces her sickness and prognosis, but not without hope, because she is not without God. She has chosen to live in hope, not based upon a medical cure or even a miraculous healing; her hope rests firmly on God and His faithfulness, both for life and eternity. “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the lord.” Psalm 31:24 NIV. Hope is not a magical answer for realities; hope is, however, the answer in every reality!
The Bible describes such souls, “who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us (that we) may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, both firm and secure.” Hebrews 6:18-19 NIV. Sometimes, you just have to have a little talk with yourself, then reach out for hope like David did, “Why am I discouraged? Why so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again – my Savior and my God!” Psalm 42:11 NLT.
Hope is for more than eternal matters of the soul; it is indispensable for everyday life. The smallest hope can propel you into possibilities not visible or knowable at this time. Hope reaches beyond every obstacle to touch God’s heart and tap His power. Don’t lose hope – in God, people, or yourself. When hope is lost, it is difficult to regain. Life is not nearly enough without hope. “May the God of hope fill you all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 NIV. Read those words again, slowly.
My prayer for you today is that you will live with a hope-filled optimism rooted in joy.