Hope: A Strong and Confident ExpectationBy Terry Angles | 3/24/2020
The
Coronavirus has captured the attention of Americans. It has created fear, which is contagious and
paralyzes people.
People feel a loss of
control, especially in a circumstance like this that is unprecedented. Panic is
everywhere including stocking up on strange things like toilet paper. When you don’t know what is going to happen,
you lose HOPE.
What is
hope? Hope is generally defined as “to
wish for, to expect, but without certainty of the fulfillment; to desire very
much, but with no real assurance of getting your desire.”
This type of hope is dangerous and can lead
to depression, frustration, and anxiety.
In contrast
the Bible speaks a great deal about hope, but it means “a strong and
confident expectation.” This kind of
hope can only come from God.
Consider
the following verses:
- When the nations of Israel were in dire need God
wrote this in Jeremiah
29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for
disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’”
- Romans
15:13, “So I pray that God, who gives you hope, will keep you happy and
full of peace as you believe in him.
May you overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Remember God is in total control. In these uncertain times we must place our
trust in God, who would never allow anything to happen to us that would destroy
His purpose or benefit for our lives.
Our hope in God’s power will dictate our perspective, and remember it is
more powerful than fear.