For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Romans 15:4 (KJV).

REFLECT:

“Hope” is a very essential part of man’s life. This is because, hope is always connected to life, living, and existence. We hope because we want something better or good for our lives whether it be for now or in the future.

Unfortunately, if we are truthful to ourselves, our observations and experiences usually tell us the opposite. There have been numerous times in our lives that we hope for something or a certain situation to turn out for the best, and it doesn’t happen as we have hoped. This could be very disheartening and discouraging. It leaves us wondering what went wrong or what we are not doing right. Such intense discouragements would in most cases leave us with not wanting to ask for more information or solutions and we give up on ourselves.

Therefore, the question(s) we must be asking to seek solutions are: How do we engage ourselves to hope right? What does it require for us to get hope to work in the right direction?

The reason why we must ask such questions is to help us gain a better perspective of the situation with the right mindset. The sort of mindset that would enable us to ask the right questions, and seek the right avenues just as JESUS suggested in Matthew 7:7 “Ask and it shall be given to you, seek and you shall find, knock and the door shall be opened unto you.” (KJV).

A songwriter named Robert Critchley once put in clear perspective in his song how hope is derived and engaged, the first part of the lyrics states, “My hope is built on nothing less than JESUS blood and righteousness.” In essence, true hope can only come when we put our trust and confidence in JESUS and HIS words or commandments. This means that every other avenue or foundation of hope is very shaky, fleeting, and on sinking grounds.

There are loads of evidence found in the Bible with tangible, proven testimonies both historically or in present times in which we can anchor our hope on, and which gives us a strong assurance of the goodness, faithfulness, and love of GOD, that will encourage and give us the peace we need, especially, when we are going through difficult times and distress.

We can only derive encouragement and find peace in the hope that comes from the unshakable word of GOD through JESUS our LORD. Therefore, Hope in the LORD, stand believing in HIS Word, and watch HIM turn the situation around for the better!

Ebimobo W. Obasi

PLEASE PRAY ALONG:

Teach Me Hope Aright.

FATHER GOD, I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to learn from Your Word. I ask that as I read Scripture, You will speak to me through it. Help me learn the essentials on how to hope in your word. What do You have to teach me? I’m listening. Please give me the peace that I desperately need from the Hope I get in your word. In JESUS MIGHTY NAME AMEN!