Constant.

Our Lord is our hope.  In times of trouble.  And in times of good. 

Although I have professed this principle in word, my actions have professed that my hope is in peaceful circumstances.  Believing that hope is in peaceful circumstances is pseudo hope.  Theoretically, we acknowledge this.  But, challenging circumstances have demonstrated a flaw in my hope.  Perhaps challenging circumstances have also demonstrated a flaw in your hope.

Let me explain.  During a particularly stressful time, I received a phone call.  The phone call delivered good news.  I experienced such a peace from the hope that everything was now going to be good. 

But it was going to be good all along.    

Many times we hope in God when circumstances are good.   It is not that this is wrong.  God and His promises are very much present in good circumstances.  Yet, in this accurate belief, we are still deceived.  Solely finding hope in God in good circumstances is incomplete.  This truth is only complete when we also find hope in God in troubling circumstances.

I know you believe this truth.  But when we fail to exercise this truth, we forfeit the life of abundance to which Christ has called us.    

If good circumstances create my hope, my hope in something other than Christ.  And if our hope is anything other than Christ, it is no hope at all.  Circumstances change, but our Lord does not.  Our Lord and His promises are constant.  Thus, the hope that is in our Lord is constant. 

Even in the most dismal circumstances, our hope remains because our God and His promises remain.  And if our hope is in our God, it is not the circumstances that will make our existence good.  It is our hope in our unshakable, unwavering, unfailing God that will make our existence good. 

I pray we recognize any traces of pseudo hope in our lives.  I pray that in good times we discern the difference between hope in God and hope in good circumstances.  And I pray that in bad times we ask ourselves if we are seeking hope in God or hope in a good outcome.  And I pray that we rest in the constant hope in our faithful God and His promises.  Praise You, God, that You are the hope that does not change, does not leave, does not end.   I implore you to take hold of this hope.   

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”  (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).

“Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.”  (Psalm 62:5 NIV).

And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”  (Romans 5:5 NIV).

“But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.”  (Micah 7:7 NIV).

 

I have been waiting to share my favorite cup with you.  I do not share it with just anybody, but I think we're to this point in our relationship. 

Much love to you,

Paige