Where Does Real Hope Lie?

We have heard a lot about hope over the last few months.  In the realm of politics, hope is often little more than hype.  Now, I want to be real careful in the next few paragraphs.  My desire is not to tear down the incoming president.  For the sake of the country, I hope he does well.  I just want to point out where our real hope lies.

In church circles, there is an old song that reminds us where we find real hope.  In 1834, Edward Mote wrote, “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.  I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.”  While the language is a little dated, the sentiment is tried and true.  Only Jesus can deliver on the promise of hope.

How so you might ask?  For one, we know that in Jesus we have forgiveness for sin.  It is in Him and Him alone that we find the way to a relationship with God.  Jesus Himself said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me” (John 14:6, NLT).  Because of Jesus’ death on the cross, we have the opportunity to be forgiven (see my post entitled Getting into Spiritual Shape – Prayer and Forgiveness).

Furthermore, we know that Jesus gives us His peace and His presence.  No matter what storms life may bring, Jesus will never abandon us.  He is always with us.  In the midst of these troubling times, we can have a peace that is not dependent on headlines or a Dow Jones report.  The peace that Jesus offers is not dependent on our outer circumstances.  It is anchored in Him.  Jesus said, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27, NLT).

In life, we will have ups and downs.  Some days the wind is at our backs and others it smacks us in the face.  Despite all the uncertainty in life, trust the one thing you know will always come through.  The Apostle Paul says Jesus, “gives us hope” (1 Timothy 1:1, NLT).  In talking about the benefits of a relationship with Jesus, He also says, “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment” (Romans 5:3-5, NLT).   When we trust Jesus, we get more than hype.  We get real hope.