Living a Life of Hope

December 9, 2023

Advent 2023

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Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines hope as “desire accompanied by expectation of or belief in fulfillment.” This definition does not acknowledge or make important the source of confidence or offer a guarantee in that desire ever being fulfilled. There is no solid basis on which to ground the expectation. It is nothing more than wishful thinking. The biblical concept of hope has a solid source; an historical lineage grounded in real world experiences.

I have heard it explained that the Proverbs 31 woman who can “laugh at the days to come” does so because she literally walks through life backwards. She thinks and processes life, makes decisions, then takes action by remembering and intentionally focusing on how God has been good to her in the past. She has no worries, her hope for the future cannot be shifted because she has seen and experienced the great mercy and love of God. She doesn’t spend time staring into the dark abyss of the future fearfully wondering if God will do what He has promised.

I am sure it was a spiritual journey for her to capture lessons; allowing them to build and strengthen her hope. And so it is for us.

If living a life of hope has not been your legacy or past experience, let me suggest 4 ways you can practice:

Read the faith stories of biblical heroes. Note how they listened to the voice of God, obeyed, and used that moment to build their hope in what God still had yet to accomplish.

Read the modern faith stories of those who have had a long and faithful dedication to God no matter what circumstance they encountered.

Seek out those in your community who have walked with God for a long time. Listen to their stories. Inquire about their faith practices. Allow them to encourage you to stay focused.

Raise your own Ebenezer. Raise your ‘stone of help’. Begin the practice of remembering God’s faithfulness to you. Mark when He shows you mercy, celebrate when He answers prayer.

For reflection: