Sermon On The Intricate Facets Of Hope

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.”