Perspectives

We all need a little hope

By Dave Seratt
Posted 12/5/19

We live in an imperfect world with imperfect people. I know that this statement seems overly simple and we all know that it is true.

As we live in this imperfect time and place, we often find …

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Perspectives

We all need a little hope

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We live in an imperfect world with imperfect people. I know that this statement seems overly simple and we all know that it is true.

As we live in this imperfect time and place, we often find ourselves frustrated, confused and disappointed. Some even become disillusioned. The news seems to constantly bombard us with negativity and it often points out the worst in our fellow man. Our own experiences often leave us a little jaded and suspicious of others.

Then from time to time we hear a heartwarming story like how a town, area or state rallies around a family in their time of crisis. Or how someone goes out of their way to help a neighbor. We often see these kinds of things highlighted during the Christmas season. Yet the goodwill and hope often fades with the new year.

So, what is it that keeps us from falling completely into despair? I believe it is hope! Hope that things will improve. Hope that tomorrow will be a better day. Hope for improvement in our circumstances.

We all need a little hope in our lives. One definition of hope is a confident expectation. But what can give us such confidence? How can we have hope?

Let me share a few thoughts about hope. First, God’s word, the Bible, gives us hope: “Such things were written in the scriptures long ago to teach us. And the scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.” (Romans 15:4 NIV).

In the scriptures we find many promises and testimonies of God’s love and care. We find his offer of forgiveness and relationship freely offered by his grace. This brings hope.

Secondly, later in the same letter the apostle prays “may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing.” Notice that God is the God of hope. Our lives can be lived in hope as we live in relationship with him.

Thirdly, hope anchors our heart, mind and emotions. We will all face difficult and challenging seasons in this life. But we can remain at peace and filled with hope as we place our faith and confidence in God and his wonderful promises.

May you have a hope-filled Christmas season, and may you have a Christ-filled life. It is in Jesus that we have hope now and for eternity.

Blessings.

(Dave Seratt is the pastor of Faith Community Church.)

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