2 minute read.
Daily Reading: Micah 5-7 GW; Psalms 130 GW; Revelation 2 GW
Hope gives joy.
Hope: “A desire for some good, accompanied with at least a slight expectation of obtaining it or a belief that it is obtainable. Hope differs from wish and desire in that it implies some expectation of obtaining the good desired or the possibility of possessing it. Hope always gives pleasure or joy, whereas wish and desire may produce or be accompanied by pain and anxiety.”
Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines hope well. Believing something better is possible gives us a reason to keep going. Recently, I listened to “The Gift: 12 Lessons to Save Your Life” by Edith Eger. Imprisoned in Auschwitz in 1944 at 16, her mother and father didn’t live past day one. Surviving the concentration camp, Dr. Eger became a psychologist, completing her Master’s degree at 50. Hope helped the now 93-year-old doctor survive the Natzi’s terror.
Don’t cover garlic with chocolate.
Chapter 11 of Dr. Eger’s book discusses hopelessness. Considering the fact, when taking a shower in Auschwitz, Dr. Eger didn’t know if water or deadly gas would come from the nozzle, she understands the power of hope:
“Honey, don’t cover garlic with chocolate. It doesn’t taste good. Likewise, there’s no freedom in denying reality or trying to cloak it in something sweet. Hope isn’t a distraction from the darkness. It’s a confrontation with the darkness.”
Jesus is our hope; He confronted the darkness for us and overcame it. Believing in God means placing our expectations on Him. Trusting Paul’s words to the Romans:
“We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God—those whom he has called according to his plan.” (Romans 8:28 GW)
Everyone is facing some type of darkness. Jesus said, in this world, we would have trouble (John 16:33 NIV). But He also overcame it for us. We can expect better things to come because our hope is in Jesus. Whatever darkness you’re confronting, let Jesus lead the way. Wait expectantly, confident in Jesus’s power to overcome the ways of the world. Find joy in hope.
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Lord, thank You for overcoming the darkness of this world. Forgive us for giving up hope in You. Renew our faith today as we place our trust in You. Replace feelings of hopelessness with Your abundant hope. Give us joy that comes only from You. IJNIP. Amen
Question for reflection
What area of your life do you need hope?
