Why Hope?
I’m sure you’ve heard the old adage, “It’s darkest before the dawn!” These words encourage us to hold on to hope when circumstances seem to be getting worse, when our challenges are the greatest, and when our situations are the most hopeless. It reminds us that, even at our lowest points we must not let go of believing in the possibilty and promise of breakthrough!
While this little phrase isn’t found in the Bible, it communicates a biblical truth. Throughout Scripture we find story after story of people who faced very dark, grim realities. Any reasonable human assessment of their situations would declare them as impossible, doomed, and hopeless. Yet time and time again, in their darkest moments many of these folks found the secret of help and hope. They called out to God, trusted in Him and patiently waited for Him to work. And without fail, they found God to be faithful. They discovered that holding on to hope in God, even when circumstances demanded otherwise, was the right thing to do.
Take a look at some reminders of the power of hope:
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my God and my Savior. — Psalm 42:11 (NIV)
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken. — Psalm 62:5, 6 (NIV)
We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and our shield — Psalm 33:20 (NIV)
What dark situation are you facing today? Don’t give up. Hold on to hope!
Here’s a prayer for you!
May the God of hope fill you with 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)
Why hope? Because God’s help is on the way!
Dale O'Shields
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