The Believer’s Hope… [the TRUTH about Biblical Hope]

Truth #1: The Believer’s Hope is found in Jesus.

Undoubtedly, the world disappoints us. Christ followers too will falter leaving us disillusioned at times. But our hope as maturing believers doesn’t rest on what is seen in this world, but rather on an unseen reality. No matter the circumstances in this fallen, not-so-perfect world, Jesus is our only hope. Our hope rests in Jesus.

“A better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God” (Hebrews 7:19).

Jesus will restore all that is broken, friend. And He alone will set our broken world straight. In this life, Martin Luther King brilliantly states, “we must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”

Our infinite Hope is found in Jesus and His redeeming work on the Cross.

The world is fleeting, but Jesus is eternal. And the hope He gives is everlasting.

Truth #2: Suffering is often the journey to hope.

The story of Habakkuk wrestling with the question, “Why do bad things happen?” reminds us, though the storms of life rage, God is still present. God is still good–and faithful!

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess for He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23).

I so desperately wanted to return from my 40 days of Lenten and social vacay with clarity on my current life circumstances, yet I still dwell in the land of Habakkuk. So, I wait. And I trust. The great theologian and Victorian preacher, Charles Spurgeon, explains hope like this, “Hope itself is like a star, not to be seen in the sunshine, but to be discovered in the night of adversity.”

Adversity is often a tool of correction or refinement. The promise of a future hope reminds us, our suffering is never wasted. And always worth the journey.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).

Hope is still alive–and working for our good. Even in seasons of adversity.

Truth #3: The believer’s hope is our calling card as believers.

Over the Lenten season, a bluebird showed up outside my kitchen window; catching my breath unexpectedly. Bluebirds are considered messengers of hope symbolizing personal growth, renewal, and new beginnings. I haven’t seen a bluebird fluttering about since relocating to Hometown, OK. So, its presence felt like a divine message of hope (which just so happens to be my chosen word of the year).

We are called to a great hope, friend! And our “Hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” (Romans 5:5).

Pray expecting an answer, friend. And “watch in hope” (Micah 7:7). 

We have a glorious, redemptive hope that the unbelieving world does not share. And our audacious hope in the unseen reality of Jesus’ return is our calling card to a watching world.

Truth #4: The believer’s hope is transformative and shareable.

Hope is life-giving. And Jesus is our living hope! He brings us out of death and despair—and places within “the hope of glory” (Col. 1:27). 

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In His great mercy, He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3).

Hope is the characterization of our salvation in Christ. And where there is Hope, there is life–abundantly (John 10:10). Who wouldn’t want to share the good news of a living hope with a world in desperate need of a Savior?

The presence of living hope in our lives transforms us from the inside out. And when we rely on our hope in Him for the abundant life, our lives are filled with joy and peace.

HOPE is meant to be shared, y’all!

“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” (Roman’s 15:13).

Share the good news of everlasting hope, friend! And if you find yourself in need of hope, eternal or otherwise, my inbox is always open. 💕

📸: photo credit Skylar Ewing