Hope in a troubled world

WE HAVE HOPE

HOPE is more than a feeling, yet feelings are important. Perhaps you have you heard these words or phrases; faith, endurance, desire, believe, keep-ones-fingers crossed, watch for, knock-on-wood, wish, concern, dream, expect, rely on, depend on, count on, pray, look-forward-to, await, foresee, suppose, surmise, anticipate, be prepared for, make plans for, aspire, look on the sunny side, anticipation, optimism, desire, expect. All are synonyms for HOPE. If you have thought of any of these things you are full of HOPE or think you are.

The Bible references HOPE as well.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”  Jeremiah 29:11
“Why are you in despair, O my soul, and why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him for the help of His presence.” Psalm 42:11

Nice to know that God cares for us so much that he even has plans for us. Plans about our future. Plans for good and not for evil; all resulting in our having HOPE.
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“ . . . . we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” Romans 5:3-5

During these days and weeks and months of social distancing due to the global coronavirus pandemic we need a dose of HOPE, a strong dose of HOPE.

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Embrace HOPE to help us enjoy PEACE. It is good to be at PEACE even when we have say-at-home and wear a face mask requirements when we do go out. Jesus spoke to his disciples at one of the most stressful times of their lives. They had faithfully followed Him for three years and He is bidding them farewell.

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”​  John 16:33

Take heart knowing we are experiencing a stressful time and we can enjoy peace even during tribulation knowing that God provided a way for us to endure all things by providing His Son Jesus to bear the guilt of our sinful nature.