HOPE IN THE WORD OF GOD

By Maritza Cosano

“You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.”—Psalm 119:114 (NIV)

People are seekers. Often, they’re seeking the benefits of God: peace, love, joy, and hope. But the truth is, to attain those benefits, you need to have a real relationship with Him. How does that develop? Well, just like any other relationship, it starts by getting to know Him, which can only be developed through Jesus Christ—the Word of God. John 1:1 (NIV) says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” 

Pretty simple concept, right? Jesus is the Word of God. Having a relationship with Jesus produces hope. But how is this hope developed, and how is it different from the hope the world offers? 

Before I answer that, think about someone who’s been diagnosed with cancer and has already exhausted all of their treatment options. Imagine them saying, “I’ve given up hope on getting well, but my hope in the Lord will never die.” What does this show? This person’s hope to get well has been a wish, a desire, but their hope in the Lord is a firm conviction. 

God knows we can’t live without hope. He’s not in the business of merely fulfilling wishes, He’s in the business of giving us a living hope. Even while facing death, Christians, though at times discouraged, have an eternal hope. 

So, to answer those questions . . . Just as faith is a gift of God, hope is as well. The Holy Spirit is the One who fills us with the love and hope of God. This hope produces joy and contentment, and our experience of it can only be accomplished by the Holy Spirit. No world remedy or provision can come close to that. 

This assurance can only be found in God’s Word. It’s our “all-access badge”! From Genesis to Revelation, Jesus tells us several remarkable things: we’re God’s children, we’re chosen, we’re wanted, and we’re never alone. 

The Scriptures clearly point out the path toward a life of joy and hope: accept your circumstances and be thankful in them (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18), choose not to worry (Philippians 4:6), fix your eyes on Jesus rather than on your situation—following His example in suffering (Hebrews 12:2)—and put your hope in future glory (2 Corinthians 4:16-18; Colossians 1:5; Titus 1:2). 

Jesus is our refuge and shield (Ephesians 6:10-18). And when we engage in a real relationship with Him by praying, studying, and meditating on His Word, we experience the kind of hope that surpasses understanding. 

Pause and Reflect: This week, look at your life from a new perspective. Imagine your life on the screen of eternity, where your 70+ years of life are a mere blip on the screen. It is eternity that matters. 

Practice: Read Psalm 25:3, 119:105, and Ephesians 6:10-18. And then ask yourself: What are the benefits of the hope I have in Jesus, in God’s Word.

Pray: Praise Jesus that He is your hope. He will never disappoint you (Romans 5:5).