In this world you will have tribulation, but take heart, I have overcome the world. – John 16:33
What kind of hope do you have? Just like standing at the saltwater taffy counter, there are a multitude of flavors you can put into that bag! According to modern psychology, people discover hope in different ways. There is an inborn human hope most mentally healthy people have that, overall, things will be okay. There is a fantastical hope you might experience when reading a “too good to be true” advertisement: maybe that cream WILL take 20 years off your face. And there is a bargaining hope approaching circumstances with quid pro quo thinking: maybe if you do good things, then good things will come your way. NONE of these are the hope of Christ.
God’s hope is not based on any sort of wishful thinking or psychology. It is a concrete promise from the Author of Life. “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32). You have been given the greatest hope in all the universe – “according to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled and unfading” (1 Peter 1:3-4).
It has been said, “hope is faith in the future tense.” Prepare for the days to come by studying God’s promises and personally choosing to walk in the overcoming power of Jesus Christ. Pray for those in positions of authority in America to find their courage in Christ alone, choosing God’s hope to guide the nation.
Today’s Verse: John 16:33
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Psalm 33:18-22
Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him,
on those who hope in his steadfast love,
19 that he may deliver their soul from death
and keep them alive in famine.
20 Our soul waits for the Lord;
he is our help and our shield.
21 For our heart is glad in him,
because we trust in his holy name.
22 Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us,
even as we hope in you.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
