Clinging to Hope: An Advent StudySample

BIG PROBLEMS. GREATER HOPE.

A harsh reality of life is that there will be pain and suffering. Having hope is not the absence of problems; it’s being able to hope despite the things that aren’t going how we want them to. These trials and struggles give us the opportunity to hope. Listen – this doesn’t mean it’s easy. Hope has to be fought for.

Right away, in today’s reading, we find out that despite their faithfulness to God, Zechariah and Elizabeth were never able to have a child and now find themselves “advanced in years.” In other words, the worldly odds are stacked pretty heavily against them having a child. They were doing the right things and still did not receive the blessing of children. Yet, their hope remains.

As followers of Jesus in the modern world, we benefit from being further along the road in the story of the Messiah. He comes to earth as a baby, lives life among man, performs miracles, and teaches about a new way to live. He is eventually killed and buried, only to raise to life three days later, completely changing the trajectory of history. THIS is why we can have a deep and joyful hope no matter what we are facing in this life.

Ask Yourself:

-What problem/situation are you facing in this season that gives you an opportunity to hope?

-How can this kind of hope (hope despite circumstances) offer you a different experience this Advent season?

Pause to Pray: Jesus, open my eyes and ears to what you want me to see and hear this week. Help me to see you as the only beacon of hope in this holiday season. Turn my worry/concern/fear/obsession/intrusive thought/etc. into hope for healing/peace/restoration/joy that’s only found in You… Amen.

Take a Next Step: For the next three days, commit to memorizing Psalm 130:5-

“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope;”

When your hope begins to falter, recite this scripture as a reminder of where your hope lies.