It Is Hard To Live Without Hope

26 Aug

“Anybody who has ever struggled to plant his feet onto the floor in the morning knows that life can be hard; it can be stressful; it can be overwhelming. But each of those negative, less than optimal feelings immediately takes a back seat to the inspirational power of hope.”   ~ Shawn L. Anderson

We face each day knowing that it will bring with it a new set of sorrows, joys, struggles, and triumphs.  Each day is a mystery waiting to be unraveled, a journey waiting to be begun.  We will have a hard time beginning, though, if we allow ourselves to be filled with fear.

What happens if the day goes bad?  What happens if I fail?  What happens if things do not work out the way I planned?  What happens if I am faced with ridicule or rejection?  What happens if…  We often ask ourselves those questions and, in the process, freeze ourselves from venturing out into the day.  We refused to meet the challenges of the day.  We avoid dealing with people out of fear.

That is certainly no way to live.  And it is a way that we do not have to live.  Why?  Because Jesus has restored hope to His people.

Just when times were getting tough, very tough, Jesus was born into our history.  He taught and guided His people.  Then the worst happened:  He was arrested, convicted, condemned, and killed.

But Jesus was not going to let a little thing like death stop Him from doing what He came to do: to restore our birthright as sons and daughters of God.  He destroyed death in His resurrection and restored hope to all of His people.

When we live in fear, doubt, and confusion, we are letting the enemy who rules this world win.  When we live in confidence and hope, we show that we are followers of the one who sets us free.

“To expect with confidence.”  That is one of the definitions of hope and the one that best fits a Christian.  To expect with confidence.  There is no need to fear whatever the day can bring.  God has already triumphed over the day and all of its details.  Face the day with confidence and venture out into the world as ambassadors of Christ’s victory over sin and death.

FAITH ACTION:  As you prepare for your day, ask the Lord to fill your heart with hope so that you may not fear whatever awaits you.