Hope

// Filed in: Hope

People can exist without many things,
but the loss of hope is the most
devastating to emotional and spiritual
well-being. Amen?

Symptoms of loss of hope (or never
having had hope) include Chronic
depression, Lack of perseverance;
giving up, Immobilization, Anger toward
God and others, blaming others, Suicidal
thoughts; suicide attempts; suicide, Retreat
into fantasy and/or excessive behaviors to
escape painful realities, Withdrawal from relationships,
escapes; irresponsibility.

The Christian who is in despair and thinks there is no way out of his hopeless condition is leaning on his own understanding.

He does not trust in the Lord to meet his needs and satisfy his desires. This is unbelief. He is ignoring God’s life-changing commands and promises.He may know God’s Word but does not know how to apply it. Therefore, he trusts in his own resources and thinking. He may be trapped in a cycle of sin>>guilt>>sin>>guilt and sinful attitudes and behaviors. He may become hostile, lashing out in frustration at not being able to control his circumstances. He may become passive, ignoring his problems, and/or giving up.

God’s Word imparts foundational concepts concerning hope. Hope in God is commanded in Scripture. (Psalm 43:5)

Why are you in despair, O my soul?
         And why are you disturbed within me?
         Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him,
        The help of my countenance and my God.

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Rom. 15:4

HOPE DELIVERS - The Map out of despair - Proverbs 3:5-10.

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
      And lean not on your own understanding;
       6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
      And He shall direct[a] your paths.
       7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
      Fear the LORD and depart from evil.
       8 It will be health to your flesh,[b]
      And strength[c] to your bones.
       9 Honor the LORD with your possessions,
      And with the firstfruits of all your increase;
       10 So your barns will be filled with plenty,
      And your vats will overflow with new wine.

Hope is instilled through truly understanding, from a scriptural basis, how God is sovereignly in control of all his circumstances.

FOUND IN JESUS - “This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek” (Hebrews 6:19-20).

ANCHORED BY A PROMISE - The promise is only as good as the one making it.

  “And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:3-5).

THE FIRST STEP - “But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.” Ps. 39:7
Tags: Faith, hope, and love.

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