There are two kinds of people in the world when it comes to hope: those filled with hope for the future and those who reject hope, preferring instead to live on the edge of clinical depression.
Take, for example, Dostoevsky and Nietzsche.
Dostoevsky, the Russian journalist and author, said hope makes life worth living. He wrote, “To live without hope is to cease to live.” In his world, hope for the future makes life worth living. Hope is the engine that drives us and gives us the desire and fortitude to make it through difficult times.
Nietzsche, the German philosopher, had the opposite view of hope; he felt hope was evil and served only to torment man. He said, “Hope in reality is the worst of all evils because it prolongs the torments of man.”
Who would you rather spend time with Dostoevsky or Nietzsche? Someone who saw hope as fueling life’s ambitions, or someone who considered hope a torturous waste of time?
The future is uncertain, but for us, as Christian leaders, the answer to the hope question is clear. We are to live with hope, and specifically, hope in God. If you spend time researching the question, you’ll soon be overwhelmed with reasons right out of the Bible why Christians should live hopeful lives.
Here are just seven of the many reasons I found when I researched our hope in God.
1. We Can Hope in God Because He Will Never Leave Us
Life can be lonely. Sometimes, it seems like we are standing against the world all on our own. But we can confidently rest assured that God will never leave us or forsake us. We are never alone; God is always with us!
“Be strong and courageous…for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you” (Deuteronomy 3:16).
2. We Can Hope in God Because of His Plans for Us
God has specific plans for each of His children, and God’s plans are good, plans that will give us hope and a future!
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).
3. We Can Hope in God Because He Will Complete What He Started
God finishes what He starts. He began a good work in us the minute we became His child, and He will not leave His work in us unfinished!
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).
4. We Can Hope in God Because He Will Establish Our Plans
Our path in life will take us down many roads, but if we seek the Lord, commit our lives to Him, and align our plans with His, He will certainly bring our plans to pass.
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans” (Proverbs 16:3).
5. We Can Hope in God Because He Will Lead Us
Whenever we face a fork in the road of life, wondering which way to go, God has promised that He will instruct us, teach us, and show us the right path!
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you” (Psalm 32:8).
6. We Can Hope in God Because We Are His Workmanship
When life beats us down, and we feel inadequate or are not up to the tasks that lie before us, we need to remember that we are God’s children. We are His workmanship. We are special just the way God made us.
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesian 2:10).
7. We Can Hope in God Because All Things Work Together for Good
Life is messy and full of trials. But, for us, as Children of God, we hold onto the promise that God will work even the worst, most painful situations in our lives for good.
“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” (Romans 8:28).
One Final Thought
Every one of us has a choice to make every day. We can live with hope as we trust in God or live lives of quiet desperation. I know which option I will choose.
As we close out this year, I pray that we will begin the journey into the next with eager anticipation and hope in God.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Romans 15:13).
More Articles
I have written several articles about our dependence on God. You can find them by typing “Dependence on God” in the search bar. Meanwhile, here are a few of my favorites.
- #434: Will God Use Me Even If I’m Not Perfect?
- #421: Have You Ever Felt Hopelessly Lost Following God?
- #415: Do You Want to Live A Life of Impact and Purpose?
- #385: Is the Path You Are on the Right One?
- #365: Do You Lead Like an Owner or A Steward?
Join the Conversation
As always, questions and comments are welcome. Which of these reasons for hope resonates the most with you?
I’d love your help. This blog is read primarily because of people like you who share it with friends. Would you be kind enough to share it by pressing the share button?
Category: Personal Development | Dependence on God
“Hope” is the thing with feathers –
That perches in the soul –
And sings the tune without the words –
And never stops – at all -“
-Emily Dickinson
Here’s to a healthy and happy 2022, Ron!
Emily does have a way with words, doesn’t she?! Thanks for sharing John!
Happy New Year to you, your wonderful bride, and the fur babies!