Deep Hope

Most of the time, unless you're in one of life's valleys, you probably don't think about your need for hope.
Unconsciously we know that hope matters.  Hopeful people are happier, more productive and have better relationships.  Who would you rather talk to?  The most hopeful person you know or the most discouraging person you know?  Insert obvious answer here.
Hope can grow so that when we really need it most, it is there for us. Deep hope is not about wishful thinking or dreams or blind optimism. Deep hope is based not on our abilities and circumstances but on God's goodness and promises. This hope grows as we reflect on who God is and what his promises are.

Here are a few of those promises:

  1.  THE PROMISE OF FREEDOM

Romans 8:1-2 "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death."

  1. THE PROMISE OF PEACE

Romans 8:6 "The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace."

  1. THE PROMISE OF A HUGE INHERITANCE

Romans 8:17 "Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."

  1. THE PROMISE OF THE REDEMPTION OF OUR BODIES

Roman's 8:23-24 "Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved."

  1. THE PROMISE OF THE SPIRIT PRAYING FOR US

Romans 8:26 "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans."

  1. THE PROMISE IT WILL ALL WORK OUT

Romans 8:28-29 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son."

  1. THE PROMISE OF GOD'S GOODNESS

Romans 8:32 "He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us - how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?"

  1. THE PROMISE THAT NOTHING WILL SEPARATE US FROM GOD'S LOVE

Romans 8:35, 38-39 "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? Neither death, nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

If you are needing hope now or want to grow in hope to be a better image bearer of God you might try creating a "Hope Protocol." Take the above verses and put them in the notes section of your phone or in Evernote or whatever you use to keep track of things. Add other promises from God's word over time. Whenever you need hope, pull out your "Hope Protocol" and review it. Every time you do your hope will grow deeper and you will become a more hopeful person.

Pastor's BlogRon Johnson