Keeping Hope

“This hope does not disappoint, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”  Romans 5:5

Hope can be a dangerous thing.  Especially when the object of our hope is not trustworthy or sure.  Maybe this relationship will fill the longing in my heart or this job will give me the sense of purpose that I need.  Maybe this theory will answer my questions or this song will soothe my pain.  This bestselling book.  This popular diet. This higher degree or certificate.  A new church.  Another town.  But no.  And we frail and very human beings can find ourselves discouraged, bloodied, and unwilling to try again.  We can move from disillusionment to disappointment until we finally give up altogether—or we can choose to focus on the Hope that does not disappoint.

Hope is, after all, about its object.  When our hope is placed in something or someone that can fail, we are certain to be disappointed.  A friend will let you down.  Someone else will get the job.  The new place will have the same problems as the old.  But, we do not have to give up hope.  As believers, no matter our frailty or fallibility, the object of our hope is Jesus Christ and that makes all the difference. 

Because of Jesus, we worship even when faced with turmoil and depression (Psalm 42:42).  Because of Jesus, we are not disappointed (Rom. 5:5).  Because of Jesus, we rejoice in hope (Rom. 12:12), are enlightened to know the hope of His calling (Eph. 1:18), and do not grieve like the rest, who have no hope (1 Thess. 4:13).  We sing in prison, rejoice in suffering, glory in persecution, and triumph over discouragement.  And we keep going—even when we want to quit.  The object of our hope is worthy to receive glory and honor and praise.  He is faithful to keep the promises He makes.  And He will never disappoint.  He is in us as the hope of glory (Col. 1:27). 

By now you’re probably saying, “Methinks she doth protest too much.”  Yes, I admit it.  I’m feeling discouraged.  And, yes, I am a follower of Christ.  And, yes, you could ask why I’m not practicing what I preach.  But my answer is that I hope I am.  Despite disappointment, regardless of failed pursuits and damaged dreams, notwithstanding eruptions of disillusionment, I choose to keep on hoping.  Does that mean I won’t crash from time to time?  No.  Does that mean all my dreams will come true?  No.  But it does mean that I won’t quit.  “I labor for this, striving with His strength that works powerfully in me” (Col. 1:29).  And what is “this?”  His hope, Christ in me, the sure object of my faith.  To Him be all the glory.