Hope is an important element of life, if not a critical one. Without hope, we can find ourselves falling into depression and anxiety. In the midst of difficulty, we need hope to hold onto so we can make it through to the other side, whatever that may be.
Often I hear people make general statements of hope that express a desire for relief or some better outcome. The problem is that they sound more like wishful thinking than a hope that is rooted in something firm. Please don’t read this as a judgment toward anyone; rather, it’s an observation of how this kind of hope can lead to disappointment and frustration.
Hope: Rooted in God
Christians know the love and character of God as demonstrated by his actions throughout the Bible. He is patient and persistent, fulfilling all of His promises across centuries and against all odds. God’s power is shown greatest in the resurrection of His Son, Jesus, after being crucified.
Real hope must be rooted somewhere. The Christian hope is rooted in God; He is the one who answers prayer. Wise Christians know that God is not a “cosmic vending machine” where you can ask for something and hope in Him to provide it. God is greater than the gifts He gives, and He wants His people to love him above everything else. At the same time, God does listen to every prayer and delights in giving us the desires of our heart. He merely wants those desires to align with His so they are always good.
Hope: Rooted in Promises
God has made many promises in the Bible which His followers can rely on. Some of them he has already fulfilled, and others He will fulfill as time unfolds. How do we know that He will fulfill them? If you look at the promises God already made and fulfilled, you can trust Him to do the same with the promises He has yet to fulfill.
There are several promises God has made that you can count on. First, Ecclesiastes 1:4 says that God will conquer death forever. This means that in this life we will all die but then death will be eliminated and his followers will be with Him in heaven forever. This is good news to hope in because whatever pain and struggle you may be going through will certainly have an end and God will do away with it once for all eventually.
A Christian’s Guide to Hope in Scripture
The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 8:18 that the present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory to come. This is something to hope in because it means that even if your struggles last a lifetime, the glory you’ll get to experience in heaven for thousands of years will be much greater than what you’re experiencing now.
Philippians 4:6-7 says that God will hear your prayers and give you peace. No matter what is happening in your life, God is always interested and listening, ready to calm you with His presence like a good friend does.
God promises to forgive you for your mistakes and never withhold His love from you (1 John 1:9 and Romans 8:38-39). This means you can have confidence that God will be available to you when you need Him, and cares deeply about being reconnected with you when you fail.
Hope Multiplies Itself
There are so many more promises God has made for you to hope in that can change your life. I would encourage you to do a little bit of your own research to find out what those promises are so you can see for yourself.
Hope is a critical aspect of life, especially in difficult times. We all need hope that our struggles will have an end, that pain will not be purposeless, and that we are not alone in the middle of it. All of these hopes can be met in God, grounded in who He is and what He has already done to demonstrate his faithfulness.
As James 1:2-5 says, challenges can test your faith in God’s faithfulness but He wants you to persevere and become mature and complete. The more you trust in God, the more you see His faithfulness. The more you see his faithfulness, the greater your hope.
Consider Online Therapy in Oregon
Our Clackamas and Hillsboro-based Christian counselors are excited to work with you, wherever you are in Oregon. Anxiety, stress, trauma, depression, and conflict do not have to rule your life. We can help you get back on track in a way that aligns with your faith and values. When you are ready to start online Christian counseling in Oregon, follow these simple steps:
- Learn about our therapy team in Hillsboro and our caring counselors in Clackamas
- Schedule an appointment with your preferred therapist, or contact us with questions
- Begin feeling more calm, confident, and peaceful, from the comfort of your home.
Other Mental Health Services at Life Discovery Counseling in Oregon
No matter what you want to cover in online therapy, we know that you may have more concerns to talk about. Or, you might know someone else who does. If you are in Clackamas, Happy Valley, Damascus, or Hillsboro, we can help you in person at one of our comfortable therapy clinics. Christian counseling is the cornerstone of our approach to therapy. Not only do we see adults, but children in counseling too. We also work with depression treatment, anxiety therapy, trauma therapy and PTSD treatment, relationship issues, marriage problems, and postpartum counseling. No matter where you are in the state, we can provide the support you need. Once you’re ready to start, we’re ready to meet you. Let’s connect!