When you think of hope what comes to your mind? Do you first think of material things that you would like to have? Or maybe that someone that you like would notice that you exist? Maybe it’s about that weight you so desperately want to lose.

The problem with placing our hope in things, or in our wants, or even our objectives in life is that we are at some point going to be disappointed. We are not going to get everything we want in life no matter who we are, or how much money we have, or our parents have. Life is filled with disappointments so if our only hope is in things of this world…well we are in for a bumpy ride.

Where should our hope be placed? Actually it is not where, but whom. Our hope should be firmly placed in Jesus. Things in this world we live in change, especially today…and sometimes those changes disappoint us. Jesus never changes, and will never disappoint us!

Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hope is mentioned in 159 (NIV) verses in the bible! Hope is a very important thing in our lives; if our hope be in Christ we will not be burned. God has a plan for you…Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

In Christ we place our hope, because in Christ we have two main things to hope for.

1. Hope for today…our present lives. Once you have given your life to Christ, He will never leave you, or forsake you. He will live in you and will help you in your daily life through the Spirit. Hebrews 2:18, Hebrews 4:16
2. Hope for tomorrow…life after death. Our hope in Christ for eternal life. Jesus died   upon the cross and paid the debt we never could for our sins. In so doing He also purchased eternal life for us. So our hope is in Jesus for eternal life, the gift of God.

Place your hope in the living God, not in anything of this world. No matter the struggle you face, God is always there. You may not get the answer you desire, but He is listening and does help. You may not be healed right away, or the problem may very well not be taken from you…but God in His mercy will grant you the grace to get through whatever you are facing.

Give yourself to God…you will not ever regret it. Hope in the God that created you and loves you above all things. He is waiting to hear from you.

Father in heaven, it is my prayer that your glorious Spirit would touch the hearts of those who read this and bless them with strength and conviction to live out their lives for you Father. Lord if anyone reads this who does not believe, may your Holy Spirit move in their lives to seek you out, and pray for forgiveness of sins and the gift of eternal life.

To pray to receive Christ go here, keep in mind that you can pray in your own words, just acknowledge that you are a sinner, and that you need God’s forgiveness. Believe that Christ died on the cross to pay for your sins, and that He rose from the dead, and lives today.

If you pray in faith and believe what you pray, you will be forgiven and given eternal life so says the Word of God. Welcome to the family of God!

gth                                                                                                                                                         1/12/12