Hope

2021-10-03

In the office at a previous job, someone put a sign up at their desk: “Due to recent cutbacks, the light at the end of the tunnel has been shut off.” This was after we had a company takeover and multiple rounds of layoffs. The sign was designed to elicit a chuckle. However, the plaque struck a somber chord.

So many people looking for hope only to find none. The pandemic drags on and takes with it massive casualties. Jobs have been lost. People are scared. Many have died. Misinformation and disinformation abound. We wonder if life will ever be same.

In many ways, these times are a wakeup call. The ground we tread we thought was firm crumbles beneath our feet. The thin ice has almost broken through. Every generation has something like this. It is a reminder of the instability of this world. There seems to be no certainty. We are “hopeful” we can get through it.

But what does it mean to hope? Does it mean, “I hope things get better”?

There is a better definition of hope, however. Jesus Christ said there would be trouble in the world, “but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Jesus Christ died in our stead, eliminating the animosity between God and humankind. The penalty for sin was paid by Him. He rose again, giving us “a lively hope” (1 Peter 1:3). We anticipate eternal life and His return where He will set all things right. He abolished sin, Satan, death, and hell. All those evil things have numbered days.

But is that lively hope like, “I hope it will rain tomorrow,” or some such temporary mundane possibility? No, hope is a confident expectation, especially in the Lord and His return. It is not a possibility, but a surety, which we anticipate. The darkness may be here for a season, but Light is coming. The Light is Jesus.

Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD. (Psalms 31:24)