THE SEARCH FOR
HOPE
INTRODUCTION
The search for hope is defined as a confident expectation and trust for the future. You do not need eloquent speech; when you are overwhelmed, a simple honest plea like: Lord, I need you, please help me, is enough.
You can use the Biblical HELP Acronym: Hear: Ask God to hear and answer you because you are in need (Psalm 86:1); Establish: Ask Him to steady your steps and give you direction (Psalm 119:133); Let: Ask His compassion to quickly meet your situation (Psalm 79:8); Protect: Seek His refuge and safety over your mind, body, or family (Psalm 16:1).
The Search for Hope
In Troublesome Times
The search for hope is widespread in a world that is in a state of confusion, instability and reflecting on current global challenges such as: Conflicts, economic hardship, political upheaval, refugee crises, and rising extremism, leading to anxiety and feelings that seem overwhelming at times. In the Bible, the term “turmoil” captures not just physical upheaval but also emotional and spiritual disarray.
Jesus said that we could have peace in the midst of troublesome times and receive the peace He gives. Some people think that the way to have peace is by changing your circumstance or environment, by going on a trip, or to go somewhere that is peaceful.
One cannot find long-lasting peace through such avenues; for real and lasting peace can only come through the peace giver which is Jesus, He 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).
Facing Destruction
Scripture records a moment in the lives of Jesus’ disciples, when they became fearful and afraid in the midst of a storm, when a great tempest (storm) in the sea came upon them, insomuch that the ship in which they were in was covered with waves, but he (Jesus) was asleep. His disciples came to him, woke him, saying, Lord save us we perish.
He said to them, why are you so troubled, why are you so fearful? Then he rose, rebuked the wind and the sea, and there was a great calm (Matthew 8:24-26).
The search for hope often is when one faces destructive forces in life, whether a believer, or unbeliever. The difference is that the peace-giver (Jesus Christ) is known by the believer as a source of deliverance, and not so for the non-believer.
Prelude to Receiving
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 Psalmist David revealed: 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).
It was noted that using the refrain “Hope you in God” the Psalmist David expresses his deep longing 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 one’s search for hope. The Psalmist cried out: Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us according as we hope in you (Psalm 33:22).
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, to name a few, Satan would love to see one enter the 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 (stuck) down, but not destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:8-9). We faint not (do not lose hope); but through 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).
Consolation in Time
of Need
A Psalm of David notes consolation to those who are in the search for hope; revealing answered prayer to a desperate situation: I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard by cry (prayer). He brought me up out of a horrible pit (pit of despair), out of the miry clay (that which was attempting to hold him there), and set my feet upon rock (deliverance), and established by 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, the Lord Jesus Christ (1 John 1:7).
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 gave it to the minister (attendant), and sat down. And the eyes of them that were in the synagogue were fasted upon him; 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, though His Word and Spirit, fulfilling those words; reaching out to those seemingly with no hope, to set them free by bringing deliverance.
Making Things Right
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 and the hope of every believer.
The search for hope is climaxed in making things right with God, through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Apostle 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).
Apostle John continued in writing: 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 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.
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).
Be careful for nothing means do not worry about anything; the solution to undue anxiety is prayer (Ephesians 6:16). 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, who is faithful, who will not leave you in such a condition.
A Promised Rest
The search for hope lies in an invitation extended by Jesus: 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 Jesus 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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