Since humans have the ability to imagine the future, they can have basically just three different views about the future: a positive view, a negative view, and a neutral view. One with a neutral view would be one who is indifferent about their future, and don't really care. The negative view would be the idea that the future is dim, and filled with failure and disappointment. However, the positive view looks to the future with expectation that good things will happen in the future. This positive view is called HOPE.
So, what is HOPE? A non-believer's definition of hope is much different than Christian's definition of hope. A non-believer will see hope as a positive outcome of some future situation, either by chance, by effort, or by personal skill. For example, winning a card game, or buying a newer car, or getting a better test score would be their hope.
A Christian's definition of hope differs greatly from a non-believer's definition in the fact that it involves faith in God. So, for a Christian, hope can be defined as a confident expectation that some future situation or condition will turn out favorably based on FAITH in God's providence, promises, and intervention.
For a Christian, we trust that God is actively involved in our future days. And because of this faith in God, we have CONFIDENT HOPE.
"I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance." (Ephesians 1:18)
Since a Christian's confident hope is founded in FAITH in Jesus, and if we are in Christ and He is in us, our hope can never be taken away.
It's hope that gives us a positive point of view. Here are 5 ways keep our hope strong -- to keep a positive point of view.
1— Realize that our current circumstance will pass.
One of my mother’s favorite sayings was, “This too shall pass.” This saying represents a positive perspective. It doesn't mean we deny reality; it just means we acknowledge that, even in the toughest circumstances, we have a way through them -- a light at the end of the tunnel.
2— Realize that God is with us through this.
God will never abandon us. No matter what we go through, the good, the bad, He is with us always.
3 — Realize that God is constantly working for us.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)
God, as a perfect, loving Father, wants the best for us, His children, and He always works in our favor.
4 — Realize that God can do the impossible
Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” (Luke 18:27)
5 — Realize God hears our prayers
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6)
So — to summarize
1 — Realize that our current circumstance will pass.
2 — Realize that God is with us through this.
3 — Realize that God is constantly working for us
4 — Realize that God can do the impossible
5 — Realize God hears our prayers
The bottom line is this…..
as Christians, we have HOPE — CONFIDENT HOPE. And it’s all because of FAITH.
And this hope goes beyond this world - the promise of heaven - eternal life.
ONE MORE THING —REMEMBER…………….
CONFIDENT HOPE results in PEACE. - and who doesn’t want that??????
"I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance." (Ephesians 1:18)
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