K

“And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” John 1:5. According to the dictionary, hope is the feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen. As you can see, the closest carnal thing that can compare to hope is found through a feeling. It is no wonder so many people are lost and without hope because this world has led us to believe it can only be obtained through our own devise.

When you dig into God’s word you will quickly see that hope is not wrapped up in a feeling, season, job, bigger house or perfect spouse. Hope is a person. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 1 Peter 1:3. Hope is the Messiah! In a dark world, where can you find hope? Hope is nothing you can buy, take a pill for or manifest in your own life. Hope is the assured presence of God all around you even when you can’t see it, hear it or touch it. It is acknowledging that our Savior’s birth and death was not in vain and derives from a promise that we are never alone even in the darkness.

Just as a tiny candle can illuminate all four corners of a dark room, our Father’s faithfulness and love does just the same. God’s light overcomes depression, heartache, loss, addiction, anxiety, fear, war, hate, destruction and despair! Don’t allow the enemy to continue whispering these disparaging lies into your heart – our God has already overcome those too. As I was studying this week, I was reminded that the biblical symbol for hope is established in an anchor. An anchor is only effective if it has made its way into the surface of the seabed, and as the boat pulls away the anchor digs deeper into the seabed creating additional resistance. This resistance causes the anchor to prevent the vessel from overturning when being overwhelmed by the waves. How secure is your anchor today? Are you easily overturned? I encourage you to dig a little deeper this week into the foundation of God’s word and grab onto something that has never been revealed to you before. If you want to see hope, take a peek at history and read the stories of Abraham, Jeremiah, Joseph, the woman at the well, the Shunammite woman and so many others.

You will see that their hope was never found in this world but from the One who spoke the infallible promises over their lives. When you discover this reckoning hope you will soon realize that your life will be turned upside down! Hope changes your present and once you commit to Jesus there is no going back to your “normal” life. It is the promise of better days and yet we are still not exempt from suffering and longing. “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18. If you are seeking hope in more money, a changed circumstance or through the eyes of another person – it’s not there. Turn your eyes to the One who is our anchor and light in the midst of storms and through the depths of darkness.

If you are yearning for a glimpse of hope and those brighter days, then I encourage you to sincerely evaluate your answers to the following questions this week:

1. Is your hope centered in Christ or something of this world?
2. As you have grown as a Christian, has your hope expanded or diminished?
3. How has hope “wrecked” your life? Has your normal changed?
4. What are you willing to risk because of who Jesus is and what He has done for you? 

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12. 

Blessings,

Kayla