Well, we are coming to the end of January, and undoubtedly, you are progressing with renewed hope for your future. It is very natural as human beings to always hope for something. It’s the thing that keeps us, in a way, motivated to look for ways to see how we can achieve what’s on our mind and in our dreams. We silently ponder how those thoughts can become a reality before we begin to verbalize them to others. Eventually, we will surrender our hearts and strength to pursue those expectations, whether they are achievable or not. So much of our lives are connected to the things which we base our fundamental hopes and dreams on.
Hope always has three components: there is always an object that you can assess and evaluate. First, hope searches and assesses what and how something or someone can be better than its or their original state, especially if it’s imperfect. If things were perfect, there would not be a need for hope. Second, with hope there is always an object that you depend on as trustworthy. You look to the object of your hope to fix or replace what is broken or out of alignment. Third, your hope is expected to give you what you desire with sometimes a great struggle.
There are only two fundamental places to look for hope that changes your life: meaning and purpose, motivation to continue, and a sense of well-being, with the knowledge that you are fully connected. You search for hope horizontally in situations, experiences, physical possessions, locations, and relationships. There are problems with looking horizontally because all things have a sense of brokenness within. They are a part of the problem, and they are unable to deliver what you’re seeking. Also, these things were never made to be your source of hope but to point to where your hope can be found.
Paul clearly clarifies where true hope comes from with our vertical relationship with God’s Son, Jesus Christ. Romans 5:5 NET And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. True hope is discovered in a relationship with Christ, who conquered death, hell, and the grave with a promise to return to receive all those who believed in Him.
Please celebrate the Good Life with us at the Villages Community Chapel in Cribari Auditorium this Sunday at 10 a.m. to be encouraged over the Word of Life and enjoy coffee and cookies with friends. The chapel is a place for needs to be met, faith to be affirmed, and new friends to embrace. You can view our worship services on YouTube at https://www.villagescommunitychapel.vgcc.club
