Defining Hope

Hope is a difficult word to write about. People tend to say things like "I hope I feel better tomorrow", "I hope next year will be easier for us", or, in a gloomy voice "We must just hope for the best". Hope, hope, hope.... not at all sure but just trying to be optimistic. Then perhaps there is some less than good news, and depression comes down upon them like a damp blanket!

To all anxious, frightened and depressed people in a worrying world, especially at the present time, I would say: Remember that there is no situation too hopeless, no problem or trial too difficult to ask God the Father for His help TODAY (or any day). Romans chapter 12 verse 12: "Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times". Psalm 31 verse 24: "Be strong, be courageous, all you that hope in the Lord". 2 Thessalonians chapter 2 verses 16-17: "May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and in His grace gave us unfailing courage and a firm hope, encourage you and strengthen you always to do and say what is good".

There is therefore "random" hope and Christian "believing" hope. In Isaiah chapter 45 verse 12 we can read "I am the One who made the earth and created the human race to live there. By my powers I stretched out the heavens; I control the sun, the moon and the stars". Yes, our heavenly Father is in control - always! We human beings sometimes don't keep our promises, but God always does. Hebrews chapter 13 chapter 5 says "I will never leave you; I will never abandon you". There are countless people everywhere, working round the clock to help make a safer, more normal world once more. We pray that God gives them all the energy, wisdom and compassion that they need.

So, Christian hope can be defined as "the confidence that something good is going to happen, as the result of my prayers".