Times of Hope

“Christians are a source of hope to the extent that others can find in them a source of strength and joy.” – Brennan Manning

We find the word “hope” on the lips of the masses these days. Hope in the inauguration of a new president, hope in the resurrection of the economy, and hope to endure through hardship. Hope in self-sufficiency, hope in the governments of the world to do the best thing for all people, hope in positive change, and hope in security. The basic nature of hope is a mixture of desire and expectation. What are we placing our hope in though, and more importantly who? What if governments fail? What if long term security is diminished? What if we fail? What if I fail?

This is a life changing time where the dynamic of what we pursue will be challenged and the content of what we hold true to and hope for will be tested, dissected and possibly realigned. This is a transcendent time where hope placed in sources which are ever-changing, volatile and temporary lead to a lack of peace and an abundance of anxiety. Our ability as those whose faith is rooted in God is in having perspective beyond the temporal, and sharing our understanding of hope to those in need. In Second Corinthians, chapter four, we see the understanding of keeping focused on the eternal. As the body of Christ, we have an innate ability to know the perspective of life beyond today, this week and this year. Our hope in the God of the Ages transcends our “momentary troubles” and gives us the ability to know his peace and show his sovereign grace to those who are covered in uncertainty, afraid of the lack of security and aware of their limited control. This is not to say that we do not experience difficulty or anxiety in the circumstances of the day, but knowing that the all powerful Father who cares for the birds, and values us higher, is working in the world and in us for the benefit of us. Unlike those who do not know the peace of Christ, we have a perspective of those who know the heart and will of the Father, the ruler and over-ruler in the lives of men. The Lord Most High is truly in control of the circumstances that face the world and the men and women who inhabit it. The immutable God is not surprised by the condition of the economy, nor those who are dependent upon it. Make no mistake, he longs for your dependence and trust. His desire is for communion with each and every person in existence. Understanding Him in this difficult time is to know that wherever you find yourself, He longs to have you near Him. His sovereign hand is just as much as loving and in control in the promotions of life as the demotions.

This might take the redefinitions of necessity and participation in one’s life. His purpose is not fulfilled in human status, wealth, nations, position, race, right, power, pleasure, color or credentials. These are neither the avenues of his restoration, nor his justification: His purpose in the workings and inner workings of man are explicitly related to their experience of Him. Through these times of trial and tribulation we must rely on His continuous care and concern for us as His people. He is the place of refuge; his omnipotent sovereign refuge is limitless in our preservation for his purposes. In this we should rejoice. In this we know that our contentment can be held in Him who we know to be constant. His love endures forever; through difficulty and success. These are the tenets which strengthen us to be a changing force in the lives of others. If we present the peace we know in hope, faith and trust of the Living God, we will be able to be a source of hope for others in their despair. We will reflect his face to those who are yearning to see a smile. Our arms will welcome the one edging the need for an embrace. The peace which transcends all understanding will be on our lips as we illuminate the true security which only exists in Jesus Christ.