THE SEARCH FOR HOPE
INTRODUCTION
The search for hope is a prelude to receiving by reaching out to God who is greater than one’s present circumstances. The message of hope can be found in many places in God’s Word. The Psalms of David reveal: For in you, O Lord, do I hope; you will hear (answer), O Lord, my God (Psalm 38:15). Why are you cast (bowed down), O my soul? And why are you disquieted in me? Hope you in God; for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance (presence) (Psalm 42:5). Cast me not off in the time of my old age; forsake me not when my strength fails (Psalm 71:9).
It was noted that using the refrain “Hope you in God” as a marker, the Psalmist yields three stanzas: Expresses his deep long for God, his sad lament before God, and his sure confidence in God; changing from longing and regret, to perplexity, and then trust and assurance. The treasure of God’s revealed truths are readily accessible in the search for hope. The Psalmist cried out: Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we hope in you (Psalm 33:22).
The Search for Hope
Blinded by Satan
The Apostle Paul wrote: If our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost (perishing); in whom the god of this world (Satan) has blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them (2 Corinthians 4:3-4).
In the search for hope from the senseless destruction of the human body through alcohol, drugs, and pornography, Satan would love to see one enter his dominion of deception and dominance; with the search for hope seemingly not even a remote possibility, but God’s Word gives assurance to the contrary.
Apostle Paul wrote: We are troubled (hard pressed) on every side, yet not distressed (crushed); we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted but not forsaken; cast (struck) down, but not destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:8-9). For which cause we faint not (do not lose hope); but though our outward man perish (is perishing), yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory (2 Corinthians 4:16-17).
A Desperate Situation
A Psalm of David brings consolation to those who are in the search for hope; revealing answered pray to a desperate situation; he wrote: I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry (prayer). He brought me up out of a horrible pit (pit of despair), out of the miry clay (that was attempting to hold him there), and set my feet upon a rock (deliverance), and established my goings (steps) (Psalm 40:1-2).
God’s Spirit brings one to the truth of God’s Word; towards being set free from a life of sin and rebellion against God. Until the last breath of life leaves the body there is hope; God does not forsake you but seeks to save the soul of man, through the cleansing power of the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ.
This Too Will Pass Away
In a poem titled: "This too will Pass Away" by an unknown author, are found these words: If I can endure for this minute whatever is happening to me, no matter how heavy my heart is or how dark the moment may be. If I can remain calm and quiet with my entire world crashing about me secure in the knowledge God loves me.
If I can but keep on believing what I know in my heart to be true that darkness will fade with the morning and that this will pass away too; then nothing in life can defeat me. For as long as this knowledge remains I can suffer whatever is happening, for I know God will break all the chains that are binding me tight in the darkness trying to fill me with fear. For there is no night, without dawning and I know that my morning is near.
Persecution in Many Lands
In many lands there is a withdrawing from the hope of the Gospel; while in others there is an advancing of such hope. We are witnessing persecution of believers in Christ, in an attempt to stop the spread of the Gospel message, but it is having a different effect; it is drawing people to the Gospel, through the power of God’s Spirit.
Where there is the search for hope; the Gospel message is “Good News” in that it brings hope through Christ Jesus as one’s Lord and Savior. Jesus in speaking to Apostle Peter said: You are Simon Peter (representing the church), and upon this rock (solid foundation) I will build my church; and the gates of hell (any opposition) shall not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18). It was noted that Jesus promises that the gates of hell (all opposition) shall not prevail against the church.
Being Set Free
Jesus in reading from the Book of Isaiah (61:1-2), revealed: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captive, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised (oppressed), to preach the acceptable year of the Lord (Luke 4:18-19).
He closed the book (scroll), and he gave it to the minister (attendant), and sat down. And the eyes of them that were in the synagogue were fasted upon him. And he said to them, this day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears (hearing) (Luke 4:20-21). In the search for hope (in many aspects of life) Jesus is still, through His Word and Spirit, fulfilling those words; reaching out to those seemingly without hope, with deliverance.
Making Things Right
with God
Jesus died a horrible death, for you and I, through His shed blood on the Cross of Calvary, that we might be cleansed of all sin. Apostle John wrote: If we confess our sins, he (Jesus) is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (sinfulness) (1 John 1:9). Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection is vividly portrayed in God’s Word.
The search for hope is climaxed in making things right with God, through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. John wrote: If we say that we have fellowship with him, (Jesus), and walk in darkness (sinfulness), we lie, and do (do not practice) the truth. But if we walk in the light (Christ), as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:6-7).
If any man sin, we have an advocate (intercessor) with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation (atonement) for our sins; and not for ours only but for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:1-2). God’s mercy is abundant to the repentant in heart; for it is not his desire that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (John 3:16). The search for hope is in allowing Jesus to be one’s Savior; as well as Deliverer. Jesus said: Peace I leave with you, my peace, I give to you; not as the world gives, give I to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid (John 14:27).
Let Your Requests
be Made Known
Apostle Paul wrote: Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which passes all understanding shall keep (guard) your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).
It was noted that be careful for nothing means do not worry about anything; the solution to undue anxiety is prayer (Ephesians 6:18). The peace of mind is tranquility of mind freeing the believer from fear and worry. The search for hope, in time of distress, is to look to the Lord Jesus Christ, who is faithful, who will not leave you in such a condition.
Invitation Extended
The search for hope lies in an invitation extended by Jesus: I stand at the door and knock (door of one’s heart); if any man hears my voice (invitation), and open the door (only you can); I will come in to him, and will sup (fellowship) with him and he with me (Revelation 3:20).
Come unto me, all you that labor and are heavy laden (burdened), and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of (from) me; for I am meek (gentle) in heart; and you shall find rest unto your souls (Matthew 11:28-29). It was noted that one is to come to Christ who has all things relating to peace, comfort, happiness, and salvation of man; to come to him, the one who is ready to provide relief to distressed and troubled minds; with the added assurance “you shall find rest (peace) to your souls.”
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