That sounds like an oxymoron, doesn’t it? Jumbo shrimp, grand piano, deafening silence, student teacher. You get the idea. Guaranteed hope.
One of the basic definitions of “hope” from dictionary.com is “to feel that something desired may happen.” It’s definitely not a guarantee. It’s what most (all?) of our resolutions are infused with.
- I hope I can lose 10 pounds by spring.
- I hope I can make it to the gym three times a week.
- I hope I can start eating healthier.
- I hope I can finish my college degree.
- I hope I can save enough money to buy a house.
- I hope I can get a promotion this year.
- I hope I can get my garage cleaned out.
The list goes on and on. Now I realize the words “I hope” aren’t really part of those goals, but that’s really what we’re saying. None of us can guarantee that we will accomplish any of them because there are so many ways we can go wrong! Or circumstances outside of our control derail our best efforts.
This is not a post to discourage you from working on the areas you’d like to improve! Just like last week’s post suggested, seeking to improve ourselves is a noble endeavor.
No, this week I’d like to explore the massive difference between secular hope, like that exemplified by our resolutions, and biblical hope, found in God’s Word. Here are a few verses to encourage us:
- May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13
- Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1
- Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope. Romans 5:3-4
- Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23
- I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope. Psalm 130:5
- Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3
I wish I could list all of the encouraging texts about biblical hope. It would fill pages and pages. But, as a side note, it’s a great “exercise” if you’re struggling with any particular area of your life. Just google the word you need, find a theologically solid source, and read through all the many passages that address that issue. Those few extra moments can recharge your life.
So back to our “hope” discussion. If you compare the two bullet point lists, I think you’ll see a clear difference in the two.
Our secular list may give you some momentary motivation and positive expectation, but we must admit, that infamous guarantee just isn’t there.
Our biblical, godly list shines with the power and sovereignty and guarantee that naturally comes along with what God promises to us in his Word.
How do we know this? Because God clearly tells us.
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16
And one of my favorites for its simplicity:
For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. 2 Corinthians 1:20
Definitely pursue those honorable resolution goals, and give them your best effort. But when February 1st rolls around (or however far you get!), remember that you can find guaranteed hope in the very words of Almighty God. Rest in that when your road gets weary.
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Romans 12:12
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