Reasons for Hope

Sometimes life can leave us feeling hopeless.  Circumstances can compound in such a way that we are led to believe there is no reason to continue.  Even as Christians, we can face these same dilemmas and be tempted to think thoughts of despair.  It’s hard to stay in a mindset of hopelessness though when looking at the promises and presence of our good God.  Do we really have reasons to hope?  Scripture answers this question over and over again:

• The resurrection of Jesus gives us hope and assurance that one day we also will rise – John 11:25
• The character of God is unchanging and He will keep his promises – Hebrews 6:17-19
• The Bible itself gives reason for hope – it also records the end of the story and we are on the winning side! – Romans 15:4
• God cares for us and we will never be separated from His love – Romans 8
• Christians have God’s Spirit living in them, giving us the ability to hope – Romans 15:13
• We have hope to face death and a “blessed hope” to expect the return of our Savior – I Thessalonians 4:13; Titus 2:11-13

So it is all a matter of perspective – and there are many more promises in Scripture that outline reasons for hope.  Friend, have you lost hope?  I encourage you to look to God.  If you have never accepted His Son Jesus as your savior, that is the relationship that will give you the “hope of eternal life.” (Titus 1:2)  If you are a believer, don’t take your eyes off of Jesus –

Look full in His wonderful face,

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim

In the light of His glory and grace.

(“Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” by H. H. Lemmel)