True Hope

Author: Elana Farrar

Hope can be so easily misunderstood. I hope I did well on my test. I hope he still likes me. I hope I get that job. I hope that we will win this game. I have hope for the future because my grades are really high right now. I have hope today because I have a good feeling. 

Hope. A word that inspires many to push through their difficulties and to find peace within themselves. Many people search for hope and achieve false hope in this world. Feeling down about yourself? Somebody complimenting you can solve that. Feeling tired? Coffee can solve that. Having a hard day? A nice walk outside can help with that. Feeling empty and need rest for your soul? Spending time with friends will surely fulfill that. We search for easy fix-ups and something that will help with the draining that comes from everyday life and hope something in this life will truly fulfill us. Let me be the first to say I’ve been there trying to find “true hope” in earthly things thinking they will fulfill this deep hunger inside me. I turned to people, my future, my family, and many more to help fill me with more hope. But God opened my eyes to where real hope lies. Hope in Him. Hope in Jesus, the real fulfillment, and He will never leave your soul thrusting for more. The hope that lies in Him knowing this world is not all you need or what your hope needs to lie in. This world is constantly changing and people continue to change and move on. But one person remains constant and that’s Jesus. He never changes and His love remains so very deep and never ever fails us. Isn't that amazing that your true hope doesn't have to rely on others or any of these earthy things? God is forever and has saved a place for you in His kingdom. True hope shouldn't have you feeling like you need to go back to refill but true hope should leave you satisfied and eager to start each new day. Life will throw many curve balls your way trying to knock you off your feet, but if you remain hopeful in the One who isn't affected by any hard trials, then you can find a sense of peace no matter what. True hope doesn't mean you will have amazing days every day, but it does mean you can be hopeful for what's to come. You can have hope regardless of your circumstances and how dark the road ahead seems. God has already won the battle over the world and there is a paradise waiting for you at the end of this wonderful journey of life. Having true hope that is found in Jesus can make life so much sweeter and filled with a sense of joy that can't be put into words. So how can I find true hope and practice it in my everyday life? Start off by knowing God and the plans He has in store for you. Change your mindset. Try not to rely on earthly things or people to fill you with joy or peace. Read Scripture to encourage you and keep your endurance up. It’s just that simple true hope lives within you through God!

Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Ephesians 3:20 - Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,

For further reading and encouragement: Jeremiah 29:4-14,  Romans 6:4, Romans 8:38-39, and 

1 Peter 1:8-9