x0, D: It's Unseen.

Hope.
What is it?

Is it a casual, wishful thought causing you to spend countless hours daydreaming?
Is it an internal whisper that reminds us to not give up?
Is it the possibility for a better day or a better marriage?

When I think about the HOPE that we have in Jesus, I can't help but feel comforted. The word promises in Romans 15:13 that our God of Hope will provide us with Joy and Peace, which in turn creates a HOPE that overflows by the power of the Holy Spirit. When we tap into the Joy and Peace provided by God, Hope will then overflow in our lives.

It also promises in Romans 5:5 that having Hope will not put us to shame, because it has been poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. It's been declared as "has been", which would mean that it's already been done. Already provided. What a wonderful realization! To be loved by God and experience his overflowing power!

I'm finding a common theme here though. The Holy Spirit is actively involved in these promises. Without the Holy Spirit, Hope will not overflow. Without the Holy Spirit, Hope will not pour into us. It's through the power of the spirit of the living God that we receive the assurance, that our trust and our confidence has not gone in vain.

So today I want to encourage you. To hang on. To keep your eyes, and your passion (for what is to come), on the One who has never failed you or anyone.

Despite what the doctor's report states. What your bank account looks like. How many eggs are left in the fridge. You were not commanded to rely on your job, your spouse or even your physical strength for the things you need. Our Hope can only be found in the creator. When we adjust our focus to Him, we'll begin to experience Joy and Peace. No the answer will not come immediately, but as you wait you can rejoice. As you experience moments of utter darkness, you can lift up a voice in adoration for your King. Because the answer has already been provided, and your worship in the midst of, will launch itself into the heavenlies and create an aroma that is pleasing to God. It creates a cloud of glory, in which God can bathe Himself in. This type of worship is considered sacrificial. It goes against all common human sense. What we "should" be doing (in terms of this world we live in), is losing our minds. Crying is desperation. Drinking our worries away. Gambling the last $25 bucks we have in the hopes of tripling it and paying off our light bill. Going on a few sexcapades to alleviate a little of the stress caused by our problems. But our system and our economy isn't built around what we see, or what we can touch. Our confidence lies in the unseen. In God.

So what is Hope?
It's experiencing an extreme shaking in your foundation, leaving you undisturbed.
It's placing your questions at the altar and focusing your attention on Him.
It's the certainty that "...All Things work together for good to those who love the Lord..." (Romans 8:28)
It's a guarantee, that helps you dream and wait with a restful spirit.
Which brings about "...Faith ... the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1)
It's knowing.
That your heavenly Father sees your need, and will meet it.

If you want to cry. If you want to scream. If you want to call an old friend to say Hi. Do so...
But whatever you do, don't lose your hope... because without it, you're left in despair. You're left to make unwise decisions that will ultimately close the door to God's provision and answer for your life.