The Be-Attitudes of the Christian Walk ~ Be Hopeful

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

While historic Advent lasted longer and the customs different, modern day Advent is the anticipation of Christmas and the Second Coming of Jesus. It is celebrated the four weeks before Christmas, each with a theme pointing to the Gospel. Though we need to be preparing our hearts every day all year long, this sacred time leads to reflection and focus. The first Sunday of Advent points us to hope—hope in Christ’s return and the true meaning of Christmas. 

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Last week, Black Friday tempted people to line up at crazy hours, enter stores and hope to procure one of the coveted door-busters or find the best price on a new 82-inch TV. We see on the news people fighting over the limited number of items available and overspending, hoping they can pay off the debt in the new year. This phenomenon of panic-driven shopping produces anxiety in me, not hope. 

Throughout history, one thing has prompted exploration and immigration; hope. Most of the early American settlers came here in hope of religious freedom. Many came in hope of finding wealth. Not knowing what was ahead and what they would endure to arrive safely and live in the New World, they had to have a strong hope of what they would find across the ocean. 

Ruth accompanied Naomi on the journey back to Bethlehem because there was no hope left in Moab where famine and poverty now settled. The journey was not easy, and the re-entry to life in Naomi’s community was challenging. But they had hope—hope they would find food, shelter, and maybe comfort for their broken hearts. In faith and obedience, Ruth cared for Naomi and was blessed to become a wife, mother, great-grandmother to King David and ancestor of Jesus. 

The Bible tells us that faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11 goes on to name heroes of the faith who all hoped for fulfillment of promises but did not receive it while they were on their journey here on earth. They stayed hopeful in their faith and looked forward to the city whose foundation and builder is God.  

Like biblical and historic figures, we are on a journey. Without hope, we would be lost.

The idea of hope specific to Advent leads us in anticipation of celebrating Christ’s birth. But there is so much more. 

As believers, we don’t grieve as those who have no hope. We look forward to heaven and seeing those loved ones who have gone before us. We have hope that those who were unsure of their faith found hope in Christ in their last hours. (I Thessalonians 4)

Isaiah 40:31 tells us our hope in the Lord will renew our strength. And Psalm 33 beautifully encourages us to place our hope in Him.

“We wait in hope for the Lord;
    he is our help and our shield.
 In him our hearts rejoice,
    for we trust in his holy name.
 May your unfailing love be with us, Lord,
    even as we put our hope in you.”

Placing our hope anywhere but in Jesus Christ will leave us disappointed. 

I Timothy 6:17 tells us not to place our hope in the uncertainty of riches, but on God who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. And Psalm 146:5 tells us “Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God.” 

It can happen without even realizing it. We put our faith and hope in what we want; what we think we need, and how we can go about getting it. I need daily reminders that He will supply all my needs and that every good and perfect gift is from Him. These can be as simple as the sun on my back or birds singing in my backyard, but they are beautiful reminders of where my focus and hope is anchored. 

As we enter this season of Advent, I want to encourage you today to allow yourself the blessing of hope. Turn your eyes off your circumstances, off the TV, off the trappings of this world and put them on Jesus. 

Questions to Ponder:

Where do you find hope?

What hinders you from having hope?

I encourage you to look to the One who came to give us hope.

My Prayer for You Today:

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, Ephesians 1:18

Worship With Me:

Oh Holy Night – Carrie Underwood

For Further Reading:

25 Best Bible Verses About HOPE – Bible Study Tools