Hope

It has occurred to me so many times over the past year that we live in a dry and thirsty land. As such, we are often robbed of something critical in our lives and that something is "hope". Without hope, what is there? Without hope, how could we possibly make it? At the end of the day when we lay down with our own thoughts and dreams, hope is everything pure and simple. Unfortunately, there is little in this world that offers real hope. In a second, dreams can be dashed, hearts can be broken and lives can be ruined. Even when we think all is well. . .that can change in a second. However, I believe that most people are already crushed to some and possibly great extent. It could have been any number of emotionally or physically destructive things that have happened in their lives. The person may be recovering (if a bit calloused) or floundering completely. None the less, dreams have died perhaps along with a bit of self and hope is lost. If we count on ourselves or this world, then that is the end of the story. Sure it plods on but it continues in the same sense of despair. Praise God we are not dependent on the hope we or the world can offer. 1 Peter 3:15 says, "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;". Did you get that? It says, hope is within us. But yet we cannot depend on ourselves. This hope within us is different. It is, according to Colossians 1:27 ("To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.") Christ within you is your hope. The Holy Spirit living within you will give you hope where there otherwise there would be none. To know this hope, you must spend time with Him. It is the only way to experience the hope He offers while still on this earth. God made it so simple. . . we make it so complicated. His whole purpose for creation was to have a relationship with us. When we spend time with Him we begin to understand and He (by faith) gives us hope. A most beautiful treasure!