June 27, 2016 (Monday)
“Hope” is a needed quality today. It is described in Hebrews 6:19 as the “anchor of the soul,” giving us stability amidst the storms of life. Our God is described as “The God of Hope” in Romans 15:13. I offer you three thoughts about this.
First, The God of Hope finds us. Jesus said that he came to this earth “to seek and to save that which was lost.” While here, he described his search for lost people as being like that of a shepherd who searches for a lost sheep. Having found us, he reconciles us to the God of Hope. God uses many means in his search for us.
Then, the God of Hope fills us. Romans 15:13, cited above, says, “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.” In addition He is able to fill us with love, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). He fills us with hope to the point of overflow.
And, the God of Hope frees us. He frees us from hopelessness and despair, discouragement and disillusionment, and all negative thoughts that would hinder our hope. He frees us from false hope based on false promises of a godless world. He gives us real hope that sustains us in difficult circumstances of life, freeing us from the shackles of sin, which always hinders us in our quest for joy and peace.
We have a meaningful and purpose-driven life in Christ, whose defeat of death opens the door to eternal life. He gives us hope.
Today’s blog is based on the sermon June 26, 2016 at Bethel Baptist Church, Ingleside.