Still Dare to Hope

Our human nature is such that we cling to whatever seems to give us safety. We look up to whatever makes us feel protected and comfortable, whether that be a person or material possession. But those were never meant to be our safety or refuge. Every single thing, apart from God, is temporary and imperfect. Why hope in something temporary when it could be taken away at any moment? We don’t know the future. Even though we as humans like to think we have control over situations, we really don’t. You could lose your job tomorrow. Your friend could die in a car crash the next day. Someone could steal your wallet. You could get sick and fail that big exam. Just thinking about the reality of life on Earth makes it seem hopeless. This is why it is so critical to have an eternal perspective and an everlasting hope. In our own power, we can never obtain hope. It is only by the power of the Holy Spirit that we can abound in hope, no matter the circumstances.

Hope in God puts the whole world into perspective because we do not look to what is seen but to what is unseen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. It’s easy to look at the struggle or trial you are going through in this moment and not being able to see the light at the end of the tunnel, not be able to see a way out. However, when we put our hope in someone who created the light at the end of the tunnel, someone who has already been there, God who is all knowing and understanding, then we don’t need to fear or worry. When our world crumbles, God does not. When life seems to be falling apart, when circumstances bring us down, when life doesn’t make sense, when we start to question and wonder why, God can be our rock and safety. This is the only hope that is deep and eternal. This hope produces true joy.

Sometimes this hope seems so distant. Why would Jesus be a hope for me? Why would he care? How can he understand what I’ve been going through? I can’t see him, so why would I put my hope in him and him alone?

It is not possible to go through life without pain and heartache. This is evident. It would be naive to say that you will never be hurt or experience suffering. In fact, the Bible makes it clear that this will happen.

“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.
I have called you by name; you are mine.
2 When you go through deep waters,
I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty,
you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression,
you will not be burned up;
the flames will not consume you.
3 For I am the Lord, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”

(Isaiah 43:1–3)

Jesus says I have called you by NAME and you are MINE. If we are in Christ then we are his. He doesn’t hold loosely to us. He gave everything to save us. Jesus proved his love for us on the cross and his promise is sure. He will NEVER ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever (just say that in your head infinity more times) let go.

It is important again to note that Jesus does not say “IF you go through deep waters…” or “IF you go through rivers of difficulty…” He says “when”, because on this imperfect sinful Earth it’s not a matter of if but when. However, when we continue to read the passage above we realize that God makes a promise to us that he will be with us during those times. God will not let us drown in the river and we will not be burned up in the fire of oppression. “For I am the LORD, your God.” Here God is saying and assuring us that we will see hard times but need not be afraid. Suffering will come upon you, but fear not for I AM GOD.

Why? Why shouldn’t we be afraid? Not because we have lots of money, a house, cars, a nice job, or even friends or family, but because Jesus is the Lord, our God.

The Lord is the lifter of my head. When all seems to be going wrong and I am worn out, he picks me up.

Many of us have heard Psalm 23 a number of times, the Psalm where David talks about Jesus being his shepherd. But as you read this chapter again, picture yourself as a lamb and Jesus your shepherd. Picture Jesus holding you the lamb in his hands as you read through the passage. Think on this. Picture it.

“The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3 He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever.”

God never breaks his promises. If he did, he would not be God and it would be foolish to put our hope in him. So reading this passage, it shows what our relationship with God is like, a shepherd and his sheep. How so very deeply he cares for you and me; so much deeper than our hearts can imagine or minds comprehend. So when you feel like you can’t press on, let go.

As a lamb being led by a shepherd, God will hold you and lead you day by day, moment by moment. Let the weight of every burden fall as you realize the One who is holding you and leading you beside peaceful streams. In the midst of pain and heartache… “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)

By Grace Alone,

Rebekah Elizabeth

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