Hope

 For in this hope, we were saved. Now, hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. (Romans 8:24-25 ESV)

Hope for what we do not see. Hope in what we do not see. We hope for the second of the second coming of the Lord. In Christ, there is hope in our salvation. Both things we cannot see yet fill our lives with hopeful anticipation.

In our faith in Christ, we are given assurances of salvation, the resurrection, and eternal life. We are given these assurances because we know that our salvation is not born from our actions; it is a gift of grace given to us by Christ, a free gift found in faith in Jesus. Our hearts are changed by his blood; we receive a transfusion of life, reborn, renewed, and regenerated.

But what did Paul mean by “Hope that is seen is not hope?” All things of the world and this life are passing; they will end. That new car leads to a desire for a newer car. That promotion and money leads to a desire for more money. The hopes of the world leave one chasing them down a rabbit hole from which there is no escape, unlike the desire derived from the love of Christ, which is never-ending, elevating one closer and closer to God. The satisfaction of the gospel never changes; it grows and continues to provide a life satisfaction that those outside Christ can never achieve.

Anxiety comes from the desires of the world, a desire for oneself, an attempt at self-satisfaction. It is a lie and a false hope that drives one deeper and deeper into despair. The hope found in the Lord, even in the worst of times, continues to fill one and lift one from their despair. In pain, sorry, and grief, we find happiness in the Lord because he continually blesses us through the fulfillment of this non-visible hope, a hope of the heart.

If you seek a life of fulfillment, a hope that will never end, you will only find it in Christ Jesus. Despite our sins, backsliding, and personal failures, hope is not lost. It is always available to you. Seek Christ, accept the gospel's truth, and devote yourself to Christ. Surrender yourself to Him and find the never-ending hope of Jesus.

Grace and Peace.