Where Does Our Hope Come From?

This morning I had a choice to make.

After reading the news updates on new Covid restrictions in place, I could:

A) sink into despair and discouragement, or
B) stand on the truth, in and despite the feelings

B Sounds like a much better option, does it not?

But it could be said that it’s hard to get there. Impossible even, with the weight of emotions laying siege to our hearts and those of our neighbors, family, and friends.

Today. Right now. It’s time to settle emotions appropriately. It’s time to loose the chains of fear, doubt, and despair.

David got it right, when he cried out in Psalm 121:1

"I lift my eyes up to the mountains, where does my help come from?"

Does it come from the mountains? The leaders and governing bodies?
Does it come from the hope of a vaccine?

No!

[Our] help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let [our feet] slip—he who watches over [us] will not slumber.
- Psalm 121:2-3

Come.

Sit at the feet of Jesus.

Read along and be renewed in hope, settled in truth:

See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm.
See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him.
He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; 
he gently leads those that have young. 
- Isaiah 40:10-11 NIV

Why do you complain, [Dear ones]? Why do you say, [Beloved],
“My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God”?
- Isaiah 40:27 NIV

Do you not know? Have you not heard?

The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
- Isaiah 40:28-30 NIV

BUT
Those who hope in the Lord

Will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
They will run and not grow weary,
They will walk and not be faint.
- Isaiah 40:31 NIV 

Paul reminds us in Hebrews 12:1 that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. The faithful, enduring stories of many who’ve walked before us. No one’s life is free of hardship. While here on earth there will be pain and sorrow, disease and suffering.

But

For those who know and rely on the love God has for us through Jesus Christ, we can throw aside all that hinders and run the race set before us with perseverance and strength.

What is the race set before us?

• To Love the Lord with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength.

• To Love our neighbor as ourselves.

• To go out into the world and make disciples of all nations.

• To be the salt of the earth and the light of the world.

• To store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth.

• To look up and watch for the return of our Savior, with great anticipation.

(Can you add to this list?)

The prize lies ahead. He who has promised is faithful (Hebrews 10:23).

This is where our hope comes from. This is how we live abundantly, even now.

May you be filled to overflowing with all the measures of goodness that comes from God, through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.