Life in the Spirit: Groaning and Hopingনমুনা

THE PROMISE OF HOPE

We have been talking about the power of hope to give us perspective on our current circumstances and help us maintain a posture of joy in the midst of them. Let’s dig deeper into an overarching promise of hope – our pain and its process have a greater purpose.

At its core, hope is about the unseen and the eternal. Hope doesn’t just help us get through this life; it anticipates and facilitates the necessary work of repentance, redemption, and renewal within us. It is the confident expectation for new life in Jesus Christ that causes and enables us to seek forgiveness of our sins and right relationship with God. Hope for perfect reconciliation holds our hearts open to being led by the Holy Spirit and being prepared for eternal glory. Hope assures us that our ultimate future is secured and satisfied by God.

Hope refers back to the plans and foreknowledge of God, promising with authority that we will be delivered from death and showing us the paths of life that lead to that salvation. And hope makes the same promise to everyone, all generations, who call upon the name of the Lord. Hope’s promise is broad and deep, connected to God’s unfailing intention to redeem and restore all creation.

Ask Yourself:

When going through a difficult season, how likely are you to ask God to show you its greater purpose in your life? How do you think hope can facilitate repentance and/or renewal as you follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit?

Pause to Pray: Holy Spirit, I thank you for reminding me of the extraordinary promises of God. Today I will call to mind your faithfulness, especially in the midst of __________. With you alongside me, I will not be shaken. Help me to rejoice in the knowledge that I am completely secure in your care and that you will never leave me or forsake me. Thank you for making “known to me the path of life; in your presence, there is fullness of joy…” Amen. (Psalm 16:8-11)