Emily Dickinson, an American poet once remarked: “Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul - and sings the tune without the words - and never stops at all." Isaiah 40:31 reminds us: “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
Hope is defined as a feeling of expectation and desire for a particular thing to happen. Its facets often encompass a special faith and trust that can emerge from definitive promises made. Hope is often deemed as a powerful and crucial factor in life. It is a complex emotion and cognitive state with intricate slants. It can be an inimitable driving force that may supplant setbacks and replace them with aspirations. It is more than wishful thinking, it is a multi-planed experience involving belief in a positive future. Hope can be seen as a stabilizing force during times of adversity, promoting resilience and emotional well-being. It is a pivotal element that fuels motivation and succors navigational challenges during the most arduous of journeys.
The Bible is a book of hope, but has also been said by many to be intricate and complex for differing reasons. It's a vast collection of writings, but its development over a longer period by multiple authors in different languages adds to its convolution. Additionally, understanding its cultural, historical, and religious contexts are key, as it contains numerous metaphors and symbolic language that can be challenging to interpret. However, in a more simplistic tone, it represents not only prevalent historical scriptural facts which may guide and give hope to many, but also reminds us of the assured promises of God.
Promises are often viewed as the foundational hopes of life. They offer encouragement and numerous affirmations throughout the differing hardships that life can present. Hope is an ambivalent emotion that comprises varying mindful processes. It encompasses more than just optimism; it seeks the envisionment of a desired future, firmly believing in the probability of its success, and actively pursuing pathways to reach that desired goal. Hope also acts as a source of resilience, enabling individuals to cope with challenges and persevere in the face of circumstance.
The biblical story of the Red Sea crossing in the book of Exodus provides a powerful example of hope in the face of adversity. The Israelites, trapped between the sea and the pursuing Egyptian army, were filled with despair until Moses stretched out his hand, and the sea parted, allowing them to escape. This story illustrates hope as a faith-based belief in a positive outcome against insurmountable odds. After the Israelites had successfully crossed over, God immediately returned the sea to a status quo, engulfing and drowning many of Pharoah’s soldiers.
Exodus 14:1-4 reminds us: “Then the Lord said to Moses, “Tell the people of Israel to turn back and encamp in front of Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, in front of Baal-zephon; you shall encamp facing it, by the sea. For Pharaoh will say of the people of Israel, ‘They are wandering in the land; the wilderness has shut them in.’ And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and he will pursue them, and I will get glory over Pharaoh and all his host, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord.” And they did so.”
Verses 15-18 continues: “The Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward. Lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the people of Israel may go through the sea on dry ground. And I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they shall go in after them, and I will get glory over Pharaoh and all his host, his chariots, and his horsemen.
And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I have gotten glory over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen.”
Hope in God is rooted in faith. It is the confident assurance that He does actually exist and cares for us all. It is the knowledge that He loves each and every one of us, and is always there when we need Him. He should never be considered as a “Busy elsewhere God,” as He always makes the necessary time to listen to our concerns or prayers for help. His aim is to connect with us, to show us His love and guide us on the correct pathways of life.
When needed, He helps us to find inner peace, comforts us, and give us the courage and strength to overcome difficulties. Kathryn Kuhlman, an American evangelist and preacher, once remarked: “Living with faith and courage is something that life requires of each of us. Never, absolutely never, give up! Never give in no matter what! Fight it through! And I promise you something with all of my heart - God will help you.”
Psalm 46 supports this: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
Come, behold the works of the Lord, how he has brought desolations on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the chariots with fire. “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” Selah
The intricate facets of hope for all good Christians include listening to the voices of others, maintaining harmony and unity, invoking mutual acceptance and following the examples of Christ. These facets, together with the combined power of the Holy Spirit, encourage believers to prioritize the well-being and edification of others, even when their own preferences or beliefs differ. Romans 15:1-13 reminds us: We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name.” And again it is said, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.” And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples extol him.” And again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope.” May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
Amen.
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