Hope is Born Again!

Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

I think we all are hoping for a brighter tomorrow. It is a frustrating time. The virus, the political climate, the hatred being shown towards our fellow man; it’s downright depressing. Hope is defined as “a wish or desire supported by some confidence of its fulfillment.” Hope from a biblical perspective is exactly that—a belief grounded in faith and based on the promises of a God who always keep His word.

God knows that we are struggling with finding and holding onto hope. Romans 5:3-5 says, “We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” Wow! Go a step further, and Colossians 11:27 says “To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” We have continual hope because we have the Holy Spirit within us AND we are the only hope for salvation for many others.  We can’t lose hope, we have a huge responsibility to bring hope to others.

I admit it, this virus has gotten me down. I miss seeing my family and friends. I miss kissing my husband good night, I even miss going to the grocery store. What I have to remember is that the Holy Spirit within me gives me the strength to overcome the moments of frustration and self-pity. God must be working on my character. (He has His work cut out for Him.) As always, the words to a song the ensemble sings comes to mind.

In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid Ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand.

I will choose to stand in Christ alone and allow Him to still my fears and frustrations. I will focus on the fact that Jesus Christ came into this world to bring us grace and with that grace came hope. At Christmastime we always sing “Hope is Born Again” because it reminds me of what Christmas was all about. The words of the chorus are:

Lift your voices high and sing
Grace has entered in
Celebrate the joyful news
Hope is born again!

Take a minute to think about that. I hope your hope is renewed. Mine has been!

Prayer from Ron:

Most Gracious Heavenly Father:

We thank You for this time alone with You, where we can speak freely to You and listen in this quiet time and hear Your prayers for us as well.  We can offer our many weaknesses to You, and know that You understand each weakness better than we do.  Yet You are always there ready to renew us when we are down and out, to bring us up out of the depths of our sorrows by offering us Your hope and peace, which serves as our renewal and strength.  You reawaken our faith when we lose sight of it amidst the day’s toils and tribulations.  You show Your love for us through Your word, as well as in the fellowship and friendship You provide us with Your Covenant faithful.  That friendship and fellowship makes all the difference to us especially on these difficult days to change our views and mindset and to know that You indeed are in charge.  We know that You will never leave our side and that we have eternal hope though our faith in You, now and forevermore.  Amen

Philippians 4:7 – And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds in Jesus Christ.