A Thrill of Hope
Christian hope is a confidence that something will come to pass because God has promised it will come to pass. John Piper
On a spring-like night, ever so long ago something very special happened. While we all know about that historical event, we still need to be reminded of the hope that pushed it forward.
Yes, Mary and Joseph hoped they would make it somewhere safely for the delivery of this precious baby. And yes, even though they had trusted the message-giving angel, they hoped the Child would be perfect in every way. Of course, He was!
What might you be hoping for during this Advent season? Could it be a deep spiritual desire or even a job, cancer-free living, a restored relationship, or some well-deserved quiet time? All of us have hope for something.
If those hopes are going to turn into reality, perhaps we need to approach Him with gratitude and thanksgiving as we explore these seven Biblical traits based on faith and trust.
Perseverance brings hope. Romans 5:3-4
Hope is always in the future and never seen. Romans 8:24-25
Hope brings joy and peace. Romans 12:12
We have hope for a resurrection. 1Thessalonians 4:13-14
Hope makes us bold. 2 Corinthians 3:12
Our hope is secure. Hebrews 6:19
Without Christ, there is no hope. Ephesians 2:12
Hope certainly has a different feeling when we don’t know or have the love of Christ in our hearts. It is a very dark, gloomy, and scary place without Jesus.
During this Advent season with our focus on hope, please take more time to pray for family and friends who are on the fence or who blatantly have no time for Him. Better yet, show them what hope looks like as a living example for them.
Let us have the visible hope we find in the eyes of children.
Give us generosity and concern for others as we approach this most sacred day.
Help us to raise Holy hands in praise and worship as we come thanking Him for sending Jesus to our world.
Show us how to truly love others.
In this world today we need to be bold. We must persevere knowing that our hope is securely rooted in Him.
If by hoping we can find peace and joy, please share all your hope with others. Who knows, it just might be contagious.
Father God, our hearts beat with gratitude as we look at hope. Teach us how to seek Your hope during this Advent season. AMEN.
(7 Biblical Traits of Hope - Christianity Today)