Only when securely anchored in the One true Hope — Jesus, the Hope of the world — will we possess a peace that passes all understanding. Many sources offer the illusive elixir of hope. Though claims may be big, none produce the hope we find in Christ Jesus.
In what, or whom, do you place your hope? Maybe, in finances, the stock market, or a future inheritance? In family or true friends? Many people place their greatest hope in themselves — personal abilities, knowledge, prowess, good looks, or whatever other strength they possess. Often without realizing it, I have been guilty of all of these false hopes at some time or another.
Ironically the most secure place for anyone to put their hope comes from what intuitively feels the most unreliable — placing one’s hope and faith in God.
“We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.“
1 Thessalonians 1:3
Faith produces work. Love prompts us to labor — or more literally “to toil with pain”. However, the ability to endure any trial, to remain steadfastness under duress, and to patiently (even cheerfully) remain consistent throughout the ups and downs of life, comes from hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Hope of the World
Fifty-three times we find the Greek word for hope, elpis, in the New Testament. The verb form of the same word appears another 31 times. Paul defines Jesus as “our hope.”
“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope,”
1 Timothy 1:1
Matthew, one of the Jesus’ twelve apostles, quoted Isaish when he declared,
“And his name will be the hope of all the world.”
Matthew 12:21
One hope for all! If we could pinpoint the missing ingredient in so many people today, it would be hope. How many trudge through day after day, not believing for anything better? They walk afraid of being toppled by the “next thing.”
But at just such a time, hope appears quietly and comes gently. It rejects denial of present circumstances and far exceeds wishful thinking. It shows up in the worst of times, giving people the stamina to walk through incredible pain and trauma.
“The feeling of hope activates areas like the prefrontal cortex—the same region responsible for goal setting, decision-making, and problem-solving. When we feel hopeful, our brains light up with activity that helps us plan, persist, and persevere. In other words, hope is not passive. It is profoundly active.”
(From the Psychology of Hope)
Isn’t this exactly what the Bible says about “endurance inspired by hope.” Science proves the benefits of what Jesus has already given to us. Pass anyone a ray of hope and see the difference it makes in their mental and physical wellbeing. Other hopes will fade; hope in Jesus Christ never will.
Internal Hope
From the outside in and the inside out, God works His perfect work within us.
“To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.“
Colossians 1:27
The fastest and best way to drill deep in hope is to immerse oneself in the truth of Scripture. Below you will find a short list of my favorites, but a simple search will help you uncover your own verses of truth.
- “… those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31).
- “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).
- “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord” (Psalm 31:24).
- “But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me” (Micah 7:7).
- “But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love” (Psalm 33:18).
These and so many other Bible verses about hope contain rich encouragement, inviting us into realms of deepening awareness of His faithfulness and love.
A Vision
In those tranquil moments between sleep and awake, I saw many butterfly-women coming from their chrysalises. Some barely emerging. Others resting on branches with gentle wisps of wind only slightly lifting their wings. Others began to stretch their fragile wings out and upward. Still others slowly ascended, rising to explore new ways of life. I thought of the many women, young and old, whom I love — no longer held within the once-safe chrysalis. Then, I began to pray for the sweet gentle breath of Holy Spirit to whisper over and into them a hope that would carry them through their transition. I also prayed that God’s peace would fill them as they became both anchored in Him and trusting in His unfailing goodness and love to carry each one into His “new way of life.”
Did the butterfly know what future awaited them? I think not.
There were many. The sky was filled with these graceful and beautiful butterfly-women … first quietly resting, and then gently rising … knowing and coming into maturity of faith, identity, and destiny. Each chrysalis was in the form of a tear drop. These butterfly-women wore new garments called dignity. Their wings were called strength.
The vision became symbolic of hope — the hope of the world through Jesus Christ — to those who held little if any hope.
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