“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you — and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.’” Jeremiah 29:11
Hope is a four-letter word that makes the future possible.
Hope is like a beacon light that enables us to look beyond today and see where we are now. Hope is not the absence of problems, but rather it’s the presence of God Himself.
We serve a good God — a God who lifts us out of despair and into a confident, enduring hope. This hope empowers us to envision and strive for a brighter future. It’s a vital source of strength during uncertain times and in the face of adversity.
Hope is not merely a soothing emotion — it is a dynamic, emotional, and psychological force that has the power to deeply transform our lives. Here are three powerful examples of how hope can take shape:
- Hope is the foundation of resilience. It empowers us to bounce back from setbacks, learn from our mistakes, and face challenges with determination.
- Hope encourages a positive mindset. We who have hope are more likely to find joy in everyday experiences — and then develop a “can-do” attitude.
- Hope helps with our emotional well-being. It can reduce stress and anxiety, making us more emotionally stable.
Hope is like a friend that whispers in our ear — in the middle of our suffering — telling us to never give up, keep believing in yourself, and in the future.
So, when it comes to our hopes and dreams that we make in life, remember Jeremiah 29:11, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you — and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.’”
Having God’s hope is a necessary part of life.
And the good news is, we don’t have to wait for the perfect moment to embrace this hope. Our hope is anchored in the faithful promises of a loving God — a foundation that makes our future secure. We can place our trust in Him now and forever — because the hope God offers is steadfast and will never let us down.
God’s hope does not disappoint!
Rev. Marion J. Miller is the senior pastor of Wesley United Methodist Church, 1201 Thomas V. Bryant Drive, Jeffersonville, Indiana. She may also be contacted at 812-283-3747 or via email at wesley1201@sbcglobal.net.
