What does this old world need?
There are lots of social answers. More jobs, less terrorism, better schools. The list is long.
If we dug a little deeper, we need hope.
In a dark world with tragedy and danger looming, hope is the true deficit.
At 1 Peter 3: 15, we are told, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” (NIV)
I am a hopeful person.
But my hope does not come from politicians or governments. My hope comes from God.
During this season before Easter, it is good to consider the reason for our hope.
We know that Good Friday is coming, but Easter is close behind. The hope of the world fulfilled.
In this time, what are the reasons for the hope you have?
As I was mulling this idea, I visited a new coffee shop in my area. Lovely and spacious, it has a main floor and a loft. Up in the loft is a blackboard that visitors can write on.
The shop owners have tagged it: Great Wall of Hope. Visitors can write what they are hopeful about or the reasons for their hope. It is well scribbled.
Are we better served by grousing about our challenges and divisions, or by considering the hope we have?
It’s kind of a mental exercise of giving up negative thought. But more than a mental exercise, it’s a spiritual challenge.
Can you, can we, consider each day a reason for our hope? Each day from now until Easter, can we focus on the hope that we have, instead of all we lack?
If you have a hard time thinking of the reasons for your hope, you really need this practice! Does life seem too dark and lackluster to you? Sweet soul, there are so many words of HOPE in Scripture.
If you have a concordance or other Bible reference, look up the word HOPE and read and write down the references. Make an index card of each HOPE VERSE and put them on a ring and carry them with you.
If you don’t have a concordance, good old Google can be your tool. Google the phrase: “Hope” in the Bible. Use God’s gift of technology to reach into your heart.
Reading these verses will help you bring to mind all you have to hope for.
Will you join me in this practice?
Will you share yours?
By Easter, let our Alleluias reach the world!