(I kiddingly tell my husband that if all I ever do with my training is to counsel and ‘fix myself’ it will be well worth the time, effort and expense!)
Recently in my reading I had opportunity to plunge into the depths of a very deep topic; namely, God’s provision of hope.
In the circumstances of life, in the brokenness of our world, in the darkness of one’s own struggles, in the battle within of our own heart against sin, what is our hope?
Enter textbook pages 64 & following….
“Hope comes as the Holy Spirit enlightens believers to understand and trust the promises of God in scripture.”
(This statement summarizes Romans 15 & the apostle Paul’s description of the basis & means of our hope.)
Sounds simple, right? Familiar truth? Nothing new here?
It has HUGE relevance for the day I’m (and you are) living today. Let me just give two ways I see this:
1) Hope is the Holy Spirit’s work (vs 13)
2) Hope comes through the truth of Scripture (vs 4)
God (in the person of the holy Spirit) grants us the abundance of hope through the truths of the written Word.
What does this mean to me?
1)Since the Holy Spirit’s power grants this, I make sure my heart is free from sin or any distraction that will thwart my sensitivity to Him or his work. (And this is heavy, heart-surgical stuff as I scrutinize my life before God’s lense of Scripture in this regard.)
2) Since this power comes through Scriptural truth, I will put my mind, heart, eyes & understanding in the view of God’s Word.
(Simply put: I’ll read it, think on it, listen to it preached, meditate on it further, memorize it. Then, I’ll do it again & again & again. )
My hope is found in the promises of God’s word.
Promises like….
aNo trial can overtake me but that God will provide the strength to escape…or endure (1 Cor. 10:13)
aThe Bible is sufficient for all of life’s challenging circumstances and speaks to every issue of life and godly living (2 Pet1:3)
Promises like….
aNo trial can overtake me but that God will provide the strength to escape…or endure (1 Cor. 10:13)
aThe Bible is sufficient for all of life’s challenging circumstances and speaks to every issue of life and godly living (2 Pet1:3)
aHis presence never leaves me; I am never alone. (Is 41:10)
aGod is completely in control of all things (Eph 1:11)
aGod is good; nothing thwarts his good plan (Ps 119:68; Gen 50:20)
aGod is completely in control of all things (Eph 1:11)
aGod is good; nothing thwarts his good plan (Ps 119:68; Gen 50:20)
aHardship can make me grow; it allows me to rest in His strength (Ps 119:71; 2 Cor 12:13)
aMy sin does not hold me in bondage; Christ’s power gives freedom for me to overcome it! Any sin, even a stronghold sin! (Rom 6:6-7, 14)
My hope is not found in pleasant feelings, favorable circumstances, impending pleasure, anticipated joys, desired changes (soon to be made or which will take place), good intentions.
My hope is not found in relationships with others, accomplished goals, or milestone events just around the corner that will make all the difference.
My hope is not found in figuring out the solution, learning a new life skill, cleaning up the brokenness of our lives (or in the lives of others).
It is found in nothing that has anything to do with this current world.
It rests in the truths of Scripture which point us to the next.
This is the basis of my hope.
And until I am ready to relinquish any and all claims of this life to which I tether my hope, I will have a tenuous hope at best, an empty hope at worst.
“Hope comes as the Holy Spirit enlightens believers to understand and trust the promises of God in scripture.”
“Lord, enlighten my mind and heart to understand and trust your promises that I might know the reality of your hope. I cannot do this without you. Give me hope, your true hope, I pray. ~Amen”
aMy sin does not hold me in bondage; Christ’s power gives freedom for me to overcome it! Any sin, even a stronghold sin! (Rom 6:6-7, 14)
My hope is not found in pleasant feelings, favorable circumstances, impending pleasure, anticipated joys, desired changes (soon to be made or which will take place), good intentions.
My hope is not found in relationships with others, accomplished goals, or milestone events just around the corner that will make all the difference.
My hope is not found in figuring out the solution, learning a new life skill, cleaning up the brokenness of our lives (or in the lives of others).
It is found in nothing that has anything to do with this current world.
It rests in the truths of Scripture which point us to the next.
This is the basis of my hope.
And until I am ready to relinquish any and all claims of this life to which I tether my hope, I will have a tenuous hope at best, an empty hope at worst.
“Hope comes as the Holy Spirit enlightens believers to understand and trust the promises of God in scripture.”
“Lord, enlighten my mind and heart to understand and trust your promises that I might know the reality of your hope. I cannot do this without you. Give me hope, your true hope, I pray. ~Amen”
great reminder of where our hope should be
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