Hope...what is it? According to dictionary.com it is "the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best." Ever hear a friend tell you that? That's awesome except when you're so far down in a pit, you can't find your way out. That's when that particular piece of advice offers little or no hope.
So, where is real hope that we can count on? I would suggest you look at the Bible for that answer. Go to Luke 4:16-21 Jesus went to the synagogue in Nazareth and this is what happened:
16 When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, 17 and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:
"Hope in Front of Me" by Danny Gokey
https://youtu.be/O5GFiDdGGGM
So, where is real hope that we can count on? I would suggest you look at the Bible for that answer. Go to Luke 4:16-21 Jesus went to the synagogue in Nazareth and this is what happened:
16 When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, 17 and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:
18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
because he has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
20 And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21 Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” (New Revised Standard Version).
In essence, Jesus told them that He was the fulfillment of the scriptures found in Isaiah - He was the messiah. You see, He is our hope. How do I know? Because I have been there....I have been in that dark pit. I have been so buried in muck that I could not find my way out. All I could do was lift my hand out and pray that someone would take it and help me. And they did.
You see, God placed people in my life who could give me hope. These were people I refer to as my "earthly" angels. I met these people in random places; church, Twitter, work...places you would not think to find angels. And yet, they were there.
For those of you who have been broken into little pieces, you know what I'm saying; to those who haven't, you will one day. I don't believe anyone comes through this life unscathed because it is these times that make one stronger and build up their faith. Why? Because they have nowhere else to turn. They have lost hope. God will do anything to bring you to Him -- even break you. It is through this brokenness that He will put you back together and make you whole. You will be His masterpiece!
However, before you get to this point, I challenge all of you to read your Bible or a daily devotional. Go to church. Begin serving others less fortunate than you. Meet with others who have knowledge of God's Word. And yes, go to church and worship Him. Find a place where you feel comfortable. And if you're not ready to take that step into a church, watch a sermon on the Internet -- there are thousands of churches that now post their sermons online. Pray and ask God where to lead you. I say this so that you are built up before you are faced with a problem. Don't give God three minutes of your time for a prayer you expect answered. Give Him your life and see what happens. Be intentional and open your heart to God. He loves you and wants you near to Him.
Go with the peace in your heart that He is near. He is waiting for you...place all your hope in Him.
"Hope in Front of Me" by Danny Gokey
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