Hope. Something we all need to get through rough times, right? Yes, we all need hope.

God gives us a living hope. Wow! That sounds good. Not just words. Not a figment of our imagination. But a living hope directly from God. What does the Bible say about that hope?

1 Peter 1:3-6 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials.”

Let’s take that apart and see what it is saying to us.

What is the basis of this hope? His abundant mercy. Abundant. More than we need.

He has begotten us again – born again through faith in His son.

Was it to be the life of Jesus, His example to us? No, it was through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. This hope came as a result of His death and resurrection. Without the resurrection, there would be no hope.

It is an inheritance that is incorruptible. It does not decay, rot, or somehow disintegrate.

It does not fade away. It will be just as strong and real twenty years from now as it is today.

We can be happy, joyful even in the middle of difficult times knowing that we have a future with the God of the universe.

1 Peter 1:18-21 “knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by the tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as a lamb without blemish and without spot…so that your faith and hope are in God.”

We have a savior that gives us redemption, a new life empowered by His resurrection power, and a future with Him. In today’s news, there is very little to give us hope. But, our life in Him is above and apart from all that is around us.

Let the following 10 phrases simmer in your mind:

1. We belong.  John 1:12
2. We are significant to God.  Psalm 139:16
3. We are forgiven.  Colossians 2:13
4. We have a life in us that is apart from us.  Romans 8:11  
5. We have a future that is wonderful.  John 10:10
6. We are in constant contact with God.  Hebrews 13:5
7. We are not alone.  John 14:23
8. We have everything we need for life and godliness.  2 Peter 1:3
9. We are loved.  John 14:21
10. We have his companionship.  John 15:15

We have hope. He will never leave us nor forsake us.

Words to light your path –

Hebrews 13:5 For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Do you need hope today? Are you facing difficult circumstances? Does your future look anything but bright? What part of your life looks hopeless? Come with me to the throne of God to share your need with Him. He will welcome us. He will provide us with a living hope. We can trust Him.

Loving Father, it is so easy to get our eyes off of You and on to our problems, especially when they loom big before us threatening to consume us. Help us to always go to You. You have all we need to live without fear, depression or anxiety. May we receive Your life and love allowing them to flavor our entire life. Amen

Let me know if I can pray with you. We can agree together in faith.