A person in despair feels as if their soul is empty. Living in isolation, pain, fear, and helplessness, the person in despair sees others around them who are experiencing joy, but cannot see a way possible to get to joy.
A path exists from despair to joy- the path of Hope. Hope is faith grounded in the belief that God’s promises in Scripture will be fulfilled. These promises are the promises of the Living, Loving God who is working to restore Joy to His creation today. What are these promises?
- God knows us and hears us. “The Lord is near to all who call on Him” (Psalm 145: 18a).
- God has plans for us and our world. In times that are difficult, we can hope because God’s ultimate purpose will prevail. “Many are the plans in the minds of men, but it is the Purpose of the Lord which will be accomplished” (Proverbs 19:2).
- God offers us strength and comfort when we struggle. “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:29).
- God offers us forgiveness and love through the gift of Jesus Christ. His Love is unconditional and unlimited, and His love endures through Eternity. “I have loved you with an everlasting love” (Jeremiah 31:3).
How do people begin their steps onto the path of Hope? There must be guides, those who can bear witness to their belief in God’s promises and who live their lives acting on the confidence and assurance and joy of those promises.
Which of God’s promises listed above speaks with meaning to you today? Can you recall times that one or many of these promises gave you hope and led you through a difficult time? Do you know of someone whose confidence in God’s promises has been shaken, someone who lives in despair, or someone who needs a partner in the journey of Hope? Do you have a message to share? Or are you someone who needs to find Hope? Can you choose a verse to claim and ask a friend to help you take a step forward in faith? Whether you are one who could be a guide, or one who needs a guide, pray for discernment from God to lead you to a partner on the powerful walk of Hope.
Joanne Compton