Words have such rich meaning and expression. Sometimes merely seeing the type on a screen or a sheet of paper cannot define the emotion (or lack of it) originally intended by the initial writer. The reader has to know the writer or read more of the history around how the word spoken or written is used. So it is with the word "hope".
Sometimes "hope" is used as an accusatory verb. "I hope you can get to these chores today." I hope you will get that report done before you go home from work today." Sometimes "hope" is an extra nudge word; one of those hints from somebody who wants something from you. "I hope you can call me." "I hope you know how important this is to me." Sometimes "hope" is a pleading word of passion. "I hope you understand my heart." "I hope you will always remember."
"Hope" is also a noun. It is a state of optimism where there is a future for a new story. It is more of a "yes" than a "no". The writer to the Roman church wrote this.
"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through Whom we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that 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." (Romans 5:1-5, NKJV)
Hope is not born in a vacuum. Jesus' followers had experienced the ups and downs of life with Him. They had experienced the religious leaders' wrath. They watched Lazarus walk out of the tomb - smelly and encased. T'he ultimate trial was watching Jesus hang on a cross. Do you think they had much hope? When Jesus showed up a couple of days later with nail holes in His hands and feet, their hope was bolstered. Thomas' hope was restored. In time, they would experience empowerment from the Holy Spirit. Through the course of the days ahead, these followers grew in perseverance which strengthened their character which birthed more and more hope in them. Maybe hope takes more fortitude that originally thought?
Disappointment steals hope in our lives. Sometimes hope just hasn't come to fruition because we're in the middle of tribulation, or our perseverance is growing, or our character is yet at a growing point which will sprout hope. Wherever we might be along that continuum, we still have our past growth events to spur us on. We have experienced moments of hope. When disappointment looms larger though, we wonder if we can press on. Proverbs 13:12 describes the situation - "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life." (NKJV)
So how are we to press on with hope? The Psalmist (78:6-7) reminded God's people to recall the great works of God and tell them to every new generation born. Rehearsing those stories were life giving "that they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments." When hope seems far off, there are people who can tell the stories of the greatness of God. They can remind any of us who are short on hope that our God is faithful and at work. Just as Thomas' hope was renewed, so our hope will revived when we find people who have more experience with God than us.
Have you found people who have lived through challenges? Who is the most patient (persevering) person you know? Who do you know who has strong character? (Chances are you will find hope-filled people among these people.)
Father, I can relate to the followers of Jesus the day after He rose from the grave. I've had such great times with You. I have seen Your work in such unbelievable ways. I've also experienced a hopelessness of which I am unable to explain. I remember fathers and mothers in the faith coming to encourage me to press on. How thankful I am for them! For those who are experiencing disappointment today, touch their hearts with Your hope. Help them find hope filled people to pour into them. For those who have stronger hope today, remind them of how that hope rose from the challenges of life. Prepare them to tell the generations about that hope that is within them. We now all have access to You . . .we rejoice in hope!
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