Do you choose HOPE?
“Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”
Jeremiah 29:5-7
A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of speaking at Embracing Faith & Mental Illness. We explored the perspective of “hope as a choice” through biblical teaching. It provides a foundation of hope that carries through the entire old and new testaments.
Let’s be real. Life’s circumstances threaten our hope, and honestly, the devil works to steal it.
Hope can be overlooked when suffering is present and uncertainty appears to surround us. This is where fear and anxiety can set in. Friends, times of suffering or extreme trials can be debilitating for some people. If that describes you or a loved one, hold on. We can choose hope and prosper during such times.
The prophet Jeremiah delivered a word from the Lord to the exiles of Jerusalem. It is found in chapter 29:5-7. He directed God’s people towards hope and delivered a message that is still relevant today. This same message can serve as a guide on how to live out HOPE despite trials and hard circumstances.
The term “Keep Calm and Carry On” originated from the British military in preparation for World War II. Although the Brits abandoned the motivational theme, it has become a worldwide, modern-day mantra. This theme summarizes the words of the prophet Jeremiah as he instructed the people living in exile to marry, have children, plant gardens, and prosper. He told them to seek peace during their hardships. This was God’s instruction for His people.
When we take these words and act upon them, I believe hope surfaces and sustains us. Anchoring our hope to God through His Word and Jesus Christ not only strengthens our faith, it grows resilience within us.
While on earth, Jesus saw people suffer, and He also suffered greatly. I believe He came to earth for the salvation of God’s people and offered Hope that is lasting and resilient. Jesus exhibits hope, even while dying on the cross. He even offered hope with faith to the thief on the cross, and His last words found in Luke 23:46 showed His hope was in God alone; “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”
In the midst of turmoil and uncertainty we can anchor ourselves to the God of all hope.
*Spend time in scripture that anchors our hope..
(Romans 15:13, Hebrews 11:1, Romans 5:3-5, 2nd Corinthians 4:8-9)
*Recognize Satan is a thief and works to steal our hope.
(John 10:10)
*Trust in the Word of God and the Power of the Holy Spirit.. our greatest weapons.
*Walk in community with others who care and are trustworthy.
“Dear Father,
Thank you for the many times in scripture you speak of hope to us. Jesus thank you for giving us the example that we can have hope while facing extreme trials and suffering. Come Holy Spirit and give us Your power to remain hopeful, seek peace and prosper no matter what life throws at us. We know this world has fallen, and it appears evil prevails but we acknowledge God will overturn that one day, and evil will be no more. Thank you for hope! In Jesus name, Amen!”
If this devotion has spoken to you, I would love to hear how by leaving a comment below or emailing me tracyarntzen@gmail.com.