Dear Family and Friends,

Let’s begin with a timely question: What are you hoping for in this New Year?

Are you hoping for a year that’s even better than the year past?

Or was this past year so painful you hope to never go through another one like it again?

Regardless of the year we just had, my guess is we’re all hoping for the best. We’re all hoping God will rescue us from our suffering and distress, whether it be in our finances, relationships, jobs, our health or the health of a loved one, of course in His way and time.

We’re also hoping He continues to bless us just as He has before.

Today we will spend our time on a word mentioned several times – Hope.

It’s also happens to be the word I’m praying we all will be filled with this New Year.

We begin with an understanding of what this word, found throughout the Bible, really means.

Oxford Languages defines hope as a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen. We commonly use the word in wishful thoughts or uncertain situations. For example, we hope that our team will win the Super Bowl.

And when we read the Bible, we usually think of hope in the same way. Such as, we sure hope God comes through for us…

But biblical hope is different. It goes beyond feelings or desires. When the Bible says to put our hope in God, there are no uncertainties nor maybes that something good will happen.

Biblical hope is having confidence in matters concerning God.

The only unknown is when it will happen.

Did you know that hope and faith are related? Faith is the foundation for the phases of our beliefs.

We were saved by grace through faith in Christ Jesus.

It’s our faith that moves us to follow Jesus every day.

And as we look forward into the future, faith is what gives us hope. And confidence in what we do not see.

Hebrews 11:1 NIV says it this way,“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

After visiting our grandkids this past week and playing games like peekaboo with our 20-month old granddaughter, it’s obvious that to her, what she doesn’t see doesn’t exist.

And after giving it some thought, I’m not sure we ever grow out of this condition.

Are you like me – constantly struggling with the ups and downs that surround us? One minute we’re telling ourselves, it’s okay, we have hope for the future. The next minute…

Keeping our hope in God is unnatural for us. It’s hard to not let our circumstances drag us down. And we’re not alone in this struggle.

“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? 
Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”  Psalm 42:5 NIV

You may have wondered why I’m praying that we be filled with hope as we start the New Year.

It’s because troubles will continue to come. And we best be prepared.

That said, here are a few passages to keep close to our hearts. As you read these, keep in mind that putting our hope in God will help us overcome the troubles that steal our joy and peace.

Here’s a passage for when we’re feeling dejected, to never fear because help is near.

“Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.”  Psalm 62:5-6 NIV

We can all use a quick boost once in awhile.

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”  Isaiah 40:31 NIV

Do you have those days when you just need a hug?

“The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.” Psalm 147:11 NIV

And when confronted with those troubles that seem to never end, cling to this passage.

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”  Revelation 21:4 NIV

Dear friends, here’s a suggestion for whenever you need a reminder about hope. It’s what I do when life gets a bit overwhelming.

Just say the following phrase based on the first line from the passage above – out loud if that helps.

NO MORE TEARS!

It’s easy to remember, quick to say, and may do wonders for your soul.

In love always,