An inspiring World Conference came to an end several weeks ago, with quite a few Australians attending and enjoying the worships, renewing friendships and being encouraged to have hope for the future.
The conference theme was “Hope is Here” and many inspiring messages were conveyed to the attendees and those watching on-line. Part of Annie Falke’s message from World Conference was: “There is a shift in atmosphere, an uplifting energy and a movement towards change. It is the Spirit of Hope.”
While the theme of “Hope” is still on our minds, I thought for your information and reflection, I would undertake some research into the meaning of this word ”Hope” and the expectations it can provide if instilled into our psyche.
My dictionary tells me that the meaning of hope is “expectation of something desired; confidence in a future event.” It is a little unfortunate, I guess, that hope has become a very common word in our vocabulary. We very often say, “I hope it will rain” or “I hope the train will be on time” or “I hope to go on a holiday this year.” Perhaps because of the word’s common usage, its value is diminished when we use it for the more important facets of our lives. I believe we are being called to elevate the importance of this word in our conversations to bring a new and enlightened conviction to its meaning.
Throughout scripture we have been encouraged to develop hope in our lives. The Apostle Paul in his letter to the Roman church points out that hope is not something that is with us now, something we can see. He indicates that hope is way out in front of us, something to be striven for. Paul says it this way, “For it was by hope that we were saved; but if we see what we hope for, then it is not really hope. For who hopes for something he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.” (Romans 8:24,25 Good News Bible)
In the Book of Psalms, David considers this question of being disappointed by unfulfilled hopes. Look at his words, “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.”
In David’s writings above, we glean that he has experienced some disappointment or let down in his life, yet he is able to take stock of his life and set his focus on God, the only one who can give hope that can last the only one that can give hope that is sure and certain.
Hope is a wonderful gift from God when we put our trust in Him. It is a source of strength and courage in the face of life’s trials. When we are trapped in a tunnel of misery, hope points to the light at the end. When we are discouraged, hope lifts our spirits. When we are struggling with an illness, hope helps us persevere beyond the pain. When we feel exhausted and feel our strength waning, hope strengthens our resolve.
Can we live without hope? The answer of course is NO! Hope is given to us through God’s grace. God has planned a future for mankind that is beyond our human expectations, but it is a plan for which we can have hope. “God’s plan is to make known his secret to his people, this rich and glorious secret which he has for all peoples. And the secret is that Christ is in you, which means that you will share in the glory of God” (Colossians 1:27 Good News Bible). Let us appreciate this gift and always have hope in our hearts.
Hope is a Christian virtue. Hope is also part of the Community of Christ’s Mission Statement: “We proclaim Jesus Christ and promote communities of joy, hope, love and peace.” There are many things in life we can put our hope in, including to live useful and valuable lives.
During World Conference, President Stassi Cramm encouraged the church to not think about the long-term difficulties but to look for the next faithful step we as disciples can take to bring forth God’s love and vision.
Let us make sure that we’re not putting our hope in something false that will not last. Let us put our hope in God and like the writer of the Psalms, we will indeed be able to praise Him!
What is your hope for the church in Australia? Might we consider our answers prayerfully, adopt a positive attitude and alertness and move out with hope and faith that our God will accompany us on our journey. Hope is Here!
Bill Gillard