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Sunday was another uplifting day of worship! Rhys preached a wonderful message on forgiveness, and Abby Wilson’s special music was so spirit-filled.
As we have launched a new year, as usual, we do so with hope. Hope is a word we use a lot, but perhaps don’t recognize its importance in the life of a believer. In a December 2019 blog, the Billy Graham Library gives us 5 things the Bible says about hope:
1. Hope is never lost.
Sometimes it’s difficult to see hope in a situation. But, the Bible says that true hope is unseen. And if we can be hopeful for one thing, such as our salvation, which is also unseen, then we can be hopeful for other things too. It’s just that simple!
“For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have?” Romans 8:24
2. We can be confident in hope.
We have now understood that hope is unseen. But, if it’s unseen, can we trust it? Although we can’t see it, we can be full of hope. Hope assures us that we can be confident in it because it’s the law of God. Biblical ‘hope’ is assurance rooted in faith.
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1
3. True hope comes from God.
Sometimes we hope for things in which there is no hope. True hope comes by trusting God even when circumstances are difficult. One way to know whether you’re trusting God is whether you’re obeying his Word. Trust produces obedience, which produces hope, which results in joy and peace; and that is the power of the Holy Spirit.
“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
4. Hope is a gift.
True hope not only comes from God, but it is delivered by the Holy Spirit of God. He gives us the power to hope and that is a demonstration of God’s love for us. Hope given by Him works together to give us confidence, joy, peace, power, and love. That is a true gift!
“And 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
5. Hope endures.
Hoping in God will never lead us into despair, because He has a plan for all of us who look to Him. He offers a future that is full of hope!
“There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.” Proverbs 23:18
We may not know what 2024 has in store for each of us, but we can rejoice in our hope of the future God has promised to all who believe!
I am looking forward to seeing you Sunday for another great day in the Lord’s house!
Blessed Assurance!
Dan Young
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