It has been implied that hope is like oxygen for the soul. But the reality is that there may be times when it seems as if the world is trying its best to suck the hope right out of you. With challenges in our personal lives, compounded by discouraging news from seemingly every side, it’s enough to push what hope you have right to the edge.
But as believers, we aren't meant to live this way because in Christ we have a hope that supersedes the harsh realities of life. So, in this new year, we are to be mindful that, Biblically speaking, hope isn’t wishful thinking. Hope is a confident expectation in who God is, what He’s done, and what He’s promised to do in the future. Our hope is in Him and Him alone. When the writer of Hebrews says to "...hold fast the profession of our faith", he encourages us to take hold of the hope we have; and not loosely, but "without wavering"; a 'hold on for dear life’ kind of grip that refuses to let go. And this hope begins with our intimacy with the Lord; because the work of Jesus has paved the way for us to have a relationship with our Heavenly Father. But while our hope begins at the empty tomb and maintained by continually drawing near to the heavenly throne room as we stay close to Christ Jesus, it doesn't end there!
Fact is, it’s hard to hold onto hope by yourself. We need a Christian community, the Body of Christ. That’s why the writer says, “let us” and not ‘let you!’ If we want to remain hopeful in the coming year, we need to stay in fellowship with other believers. And the Hebrew writer reminds us of one other important thing: when it comes to the Lord, a promise made is a promise kept! He reminds us that His character makes it impossible for Him to renege on what He’s said. So, when we’re running low on hope, we can claim a specific promise from His word.
So, the Scriptural reality that every believer can deposit into their spiritual account in 2024 is this: God has always been and will continue to be faithful! And because He is faithful, we can remain hopeful.
in His vineyard