Definition of HOPE
intransitive verb
1
: to cherish a desire with anticipation <hopes for a promotion>
2
archaic : trust
transitive verb
1
: to desire with expectation of obtainment
2
: to expect with confidence : trust
Now that we know what hope is, can you imagine living without it? The frightening truth is, so many people do. I'm not talking about hoping for a raise, new car, or a new home...I'm talking about REAL hope. There are so many today who have no hope after this feeble life. They may experience all this life has to offer, be successful in their careers, make more money than they'll ever be able to spend, but what do they hope for when their life on earth is over? In the book of Job, he put it this way:
Job 27:8-9 (King James Version)
8For what is the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained, when God taketh away his soul?
9Will God hear his cry when trouble cometh upon him?
Wow, pretty powerful words if you ask me. Though a person gain all they can in this world, it means nothing when they are dead, and if they've placed their hope in worldy things like money, fame or power, and not in the Lord, He will not hear their cries when they are in trouble.
John 9:31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. (KJV)
The bad thing is, this is also another of many teachings that have gone the way of the Dodo. Many people think that they can lead whatever life they want to lead, no matter how ungodly, and then call on Him when things aren't going their way. People need to understand that the only prayer of a sinner that God hears is a prayer of forgiveness and the acceptance of Salvation.
I lost my mom recently, and there was also a terrible tragedy back home where a young lady was senselessly murdered. Without the hope I know my mom had in the Lord, and the hope I have in Him also, her death would hurt so much more. But, I have faith in the promises of God, that we will be reunited in Heaven when our time here is done. I know the family of the young lady that was murdered are a Christian family with the same hope, and believe they will see her again. Can you even imagine living without that hope? Death of a loved one is hard, so much more when they are taken so young and violently. We may think that we couldn't feel worse, but can you comprehend dealing with a death like this without hope?
Now, let's look at faith and hope. Can you have one without the other? I don't think it's possible. Look again at the transitive verb #2 in the definition above. It says hope is to expect with confidence: trust. Isn't that what faith is? The bible says that faith is the substance of things hoped for when the evidence of those things cannot be seen. Well, there you go. Hope is right in he middle of the Bible's definition of faith.
How does one attain this hope? It's pretty simple really. Acknowledge you are a sinner, ask God for forgiveness, REPENT, (turn away from your old lifestyle) and follow Christ. Then, and only then, will you have true hope. I will finish by quoting a song: "My hope is in the Lord, I will trust in Him, and Him alone. Though death knocks at my door, my hope is in the Lord!"
9Will God hear his cry when trouble cometh upon him?
Wow, pretty powerful words if you ask me. Though a person gain all they can in this world, it means nothing when they are dead, and if they've placed their hope in worldy things like money, fame or power, and not in the Lord, He will not hear their cries when they are in trouble.
John 9:31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. (KJV)
The bad thing is, this is also another of many teachings that have gone the way of the Dodo. Many people think that they can lead whatever life they want to lead, no matter how ungodly, and then call on Him when things aren't going their way. People need to understand that the only prayer of a sinner that God hears is a prayer of forgiveness and the acceptance of Salvation.
I lost my mom recently, and there was also a terrible tragedy back home where a young lady was senselessly murdered. Without the hope I know my mom had in the Lord, and the hope I have in Him also, her death would hurt so much more. But, I have faith in the promises of God, that we will be reunited in Heaven when our time here is done. I know the family of the young lady that was murdered are a Christian family with the same hope, and believe they will see her again. Can you even imagine living without that hope? Death of a loved one is hard, so much more when they are taken so young and violently. We may think that we couldn't feel worse, but can you comprehend dealing with a death like this without hope?
Now, let's look at faith and hope. Can you have one without the other? I don't think it's possible. Look again at the transitive verb #2 in the definition above. It says hope is to expect with confidence: trust. Isn't that what faith is? The bible says that faith is the substance of things hoped for when the evidence of those things cannot be seen. Well, there you go. Hope is right in he middle of the Bible's definition of faith.
How does one attain this hope? It's pretty simple really. Acknowledge you are a sinner, ask God for forgiveness, REPENT, (turn away from your old lifestyle) and follow Christ. Then, and only then, will you have true hope. I will finish by quoting a song: "My hope is in the Lord, I will trust in Him, and Him alone. Though death knocks at my door, my hope is in the Lord!"
We have MUCH more than just mere "hope", Mike! Yes, if we trust and believe in our Lord Jesus Christ, we are assured of His blessings and protection. We are here on earth for such a short time and can look forward to spending eternity with our Father!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm very sad to hear about your mother, but when you KNOW that she is in the arms of Jesus and not sick, not tired, not suffering any longer, it helps to relieve the pain of missing her!!
Even with all the horror we are experiencing at this present time with this anti-God administration and terrorist attacks, etc. Psalms 91:7 tells us that "A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee". We can rest peacefully knowing God is in charge. Do you not think that is more valuable than just "hope"? Vikilani
Psalm 33:18
ReplyDeleteBehold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;
Psalm 31:24
Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.
Psalm 42:5
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.
Psalm 71:5
For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth.
Proverbs 13:12
ReplyDeleteHope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.
Proverbs 14:32
The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.
Romans 5:2
By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Romans 5:3-5 (King James Version)
ReplyDelete3And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
5And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
Vikilani, I understand where you're coming from. But, i was talking about people who are "hopeless". I believe after accepting Christ and spending time in prayer and bible study, one becomes more assured of God's promises. On the other hand, the bible is full of the great men of God speaking of the "hope" they had in Him.