As Joel and Luke of for King and Country sing, “hope is what we crave…” But wait, is it really hope we are craving? Or is it simply us wanting to know the answer to our troubles, or the end result of our current circumstance? If it was hope we were after, we would be done searching. Why? Because our God, the Maker of the entire universe, is the God of hope. Not only did He make the world and is actively in control of everything (Proverbs 19:21), He has also overcome it (John 16:33). God is the essence of hope, whenever, throughout whatever, and forever. Through Christ we can have hope in the unknown, what is viewed as impossible, and the trials and pain that seem as though they will never come to an end. Whether it is here on earth, or in our eternal home in heaven, God promises that those who trust in Him “will never be put to shame” (Romans 10:11). Therefore, whether you have a seemingly incurable chronic illness, or are being knocked to your knees by the reoccurring storms in other ares of life, there is everlasting, unwavering hope for those who believe (1 Timothy 4:10).
Francis A. Schaeffer points out that “Christianity is realistic, because it says that if there is no truth, there is also no hope.” Yet guess what? There is hope, as God’s promises have reigned true for thousands of years, and are evident not only in my life, but millions of others. Three truths that I have had written on my marker board for more than four years as I have battled chronic Lyme are, “I can do all things through God who gives me strength,” (Philippians 4:13) “God is BIGGER than any of my pain,” (Psalm 147:5), and “This is not meaningless! God has a purpose” (Jeremiah 29:11). While these statements may seem rather simple and plain to the eye, the power behind them is truly beyond our limits to even begin to grasp. Time and time again, these truths have pulled me through some of the darkest valleys, both physically and mentally, as my soul was supernaturally strengthened by the One who speaks and guides only in truth. (John 16:13). One of my all-time favorite passages resides in Romans 5, where we are told that those who are justified by faith in Christ, will also obtain peace through Him. Not only that, but we can continue to rejoice in the hope and glory of God, even in the midst of trials, because “tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” In the end, the earthly craving for hope that our bodies long for can be completely satisfied through Him. Could we ask for anything better? I don’t believe so. Put your faith in God, find hope in all that He is doing in your life, and watch as He never lets you down (Deuteronomy 3:16).
Psalms 46:5 “God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.”