HOPE

When things are going well for us, the notion/concept of hope seldom enters our thinking. It is when things of life become difficult that this need (the need for hope) comes to mind.

Hope is based on the belief that the future can be better.

Hope can sustain us through the difficult times, as long as it is not just wishful thinking.

For hope to be more than just wishful thinking, it must be based on a belief system that is truth-based and knowledge-based.

Hope that is truth-based and knowledge-based will generate positive emotions:

• Emotions that reflect truth and knowledge will solidify the hope.
• Emotions that do not reflect truth and knowledge will soon fade.

Hope that is based on God’s Word is both truth-based and knowledge-based.

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”. These words, initially from Jeremiah to the exiles in Babylon have been demonstrated down through the ages to reflect God’s attitude to all of His people.

In Hebrews 6:17-19 NIV we are told that God offers us hope that we may be greatly encouraged, and “we have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure”.

1 Peter 1:3 NIV “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead”.

Romans 15:4 NIV “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope”.

Colossians 1:15 NIV “The faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel”.

The origin and continued source of hope that is truth-based and knowledge-based is the Living Word.

John 1:1-3 NIV “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men”.

Commentary by Lowell E. Becker, M.D.