What about HOPE?

Many of us know the verse from the "Love Chapter", I Corinthians 13 - "These three remain: faith, hope and love, but the greatest of these is love." In all my years of listening to sermons, I don't recall hearing one on HOPE. We know that love is the greatest thing of all. God is love. And we know that without faith it's impossible to please God. But what about HOPE? It kind of always seemed like it wasn't quite as spiritual or as important as the other two.  And yet, I love the concept of HOPE. Hope brings light to dark places, strength in weakness and peace to a troubled heart.

Psalm 42:5b - HOPE in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His PRESENCE.

I am now in my tenth month as a cancer survivor. And these ten months I've been holding on to hope. I hoped for the kind of cancer that could be treated with Tarceva. God answered that hope, that prayer. I hoped for strength for this journey, to be grateful for each new day. What can I say....it's a process! I hope that the treatment plan will continue to be effective for many years. And I have a certain HOPE of a glorious future. I know that I know that I shall NOT perish but have everlasting life!!!

Psalm 130:7 - O Israel (child of God), HOPE in the Lord; For with the Lord there is lovingkindness, and with Him is ABUNDANT REDEMPTION.

One definition of hope is "a feeling of trust". I can have HOPE because I TRUST my Creator. Many times I've asked myself if I really really trust God? It's so much easier to speak words of faith and trust; to sing words of surrender and commitment when all is well. Yes, Lord, I believe! Help my unbelief!

Romans 15:13 - Now may the GOD OF HOPE fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in HOPE by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Dear friend, do you need hope today? Won't you join me in this prayer  and look for opportunities to praise God in your moments today, to put your hope in Him. Holding on to hope means we must let go of bitterness and unforgiveness because that clogs up the pipeline that brings hope, healing and peace to our body, soul and spirit. Join me in this journey as a person overflowing in hope....not based on our circumstances but grounded in the faithfulness of our great God.

Dear Father, thank You for the help of Your tender presence! Open my eyes to see my life from Your perspective. I trust YOU. Thank you for giving hope through Your warm lovingkindness and Your abundant redemption! Thank You for being a God of hope and filling me with joy and peace as I trust You. May my life abound in this hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. And I give you all the glory. In Jesus Name, Amen.