Read Romans 15:7-13
Have you ever gone through a time when life seemed so dark it was palpable? A time when you walked around in a daze, mechanically putting one foot in front of another? A time when hope was non-existent and laughter dead? I have. It was 2013. Seasonal Affective Disorder coupled with the sudden and traumatic death of my brother-in-law in Nigeria stripped me of all joy and comfort and left behind hopelessness.
I love verse thirteen from this passage, because not only is the word hope repeated twice, but there are also other hopeful words like joy, peace, trust, and overflow. During the season when I had no hope and could not envision that I could ever feel better, I had two friends who literally held me up like Aaron and Hur held up Moses’ arms during the Israelites’ battle against the Amalekites. Both my friends were in Canada and far away, but they called and emailed and prayed. I knew they were fighting the battle alongside me. And when I mentioned the thick oppressive hopelessness, one of them (Christina) said she would hope for me.
Christ, who was very God, came to earth, donning flesh and limiting Himself to the constraints of human nature. He came to serve and accomplished salvation for all. Revealed first to the Jews, the Gentiles soon were brought into this awesome reality of the hope of eternal life. The promises that had been given so many years before were fulfilled in Christ. God pierced through the darkness and His light shone through. Darkness could not quench it then, nor can it quench it now.
Our hope is in Christ. God can fill us with hope through His Holy Spirit. The message of Christmas is one of hope. Emmanuel is come. And with Him, He brings joy, peace, and hope. So, Eastbrook, strengthen your limp hands and weak knees. Straighten your spine and raise your head. Behold, your Savior has come!
For Personal Reflection: When have you experienced deep hopelessness? How did you discover hope again? Make a list of some things that sap you of joy and peace. What changes can you make to address them?
by Katherine Riebe
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