Hope Came Down

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,

so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
—Romans 15:13

Right now, more than ever our nation is need of hope. Many of us, if we are honest are struggling to believe because we’ve lost hope. Whether it’s because of disappointment over the election, a marriage hanging on by a thread, or a mother struggling to balance distance learning while working from home……we are in need of hope.

We have allowed our present circumstances to over shadow our guaranteed promises. We need encouragement to believe that things will get better. When hope grows dim is exactly when we need to look up and remember that God can make something beautiful out of all of this chaos.

Our temporary circumstances might disappoint, but it is because we have an eternal hope in an eternal God that we can continue to press forward. From Genesis to Revelation scripture reminds us that Hope is resting in the assurance of who God is and what He has promised. Scripture says “He who promised is faithful. And that all of the promises of God are yes and amen”. We must believe that God will do what He says He will do.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord,

plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
—Jeremiah 29:11

When there’s an inward battle between what we see and what we believe, we must fall back on what we know. We know that God is good, He does good and He works everything for our good.

Does that mean He’s only good when we are on the mountain? Absolutely not, the God of the mountain is the God of valley and what He’s done before He can do again.

The Apostle Paul said in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 NIV:

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”

Paul was able to remain hopeful because His expectation and confidence was in Christ.

As we enter this holiday season, be encouraged to look to the one who knew we would be right here in this moment in time. As a matter of fact that’s why He came. Jesus came to bring hope. Little tiny hands and feet, were fitted for nail and hammer. His head already measured for a crown fitted for a common king. He came resting and in a manger yet knowing he would be measured for a cross.

Our expectation and hope is in Christ, and Christ alone. Christ came to free and empower us, so that we may give the reason for this hope that we hold on to.

This Christmas, focus on the joy and the peace that Christ brings. It’s a joy that is not predicated upon by our outward circumstances but solidified by an inward confidence; a peace that is provided not just in the calm but also in the chaotic.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government

will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness

of his government and peace there will be no end.

—Isaiah 9:6