Biblical hope depends on Jesus because He alone is able to give “living hope” through his death and resurrection to all who trust in him. The hope that Jesus gives is “living” because he himself is alive and offers eternal life with him. When we put our hope in him, we will not be disappointed, and we will live with him forever.
READ
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
1 Peter 1:3-5
REFLECT
-What do you observe as you read this passage?
-Notice how this passage is a blessing addressed to God. Take some time to bless God with a prayer of your own.
Day 5
Day 1 - HOPE video intro
In the Bible people who have hope are very different from optimists! In this video, we’ll explore how biblical hope looks to God’s character alone as a basis for trusting that the future will be better than the present. READ 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13
Day 2
Biblical hope relies on God’s character as a basis for trusting that the future will be better than the present. The more a person gets to know God’s character, the more hope they can have. READ 1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD! 2 O Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy! 3 If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? 4 But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared. 5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; 6 my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning. 7 O Israel, hope in the LORD! For with the LORD there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption. 8 And he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities. Psalm 130:1-8 REFLECT -What does the psalmist say about God’s character? -What do you say about God’s character? -What does the psalmist believe God will do for Israel? -What do you believe God will do for you and your community? -How do you want to see God’s forgiving love at work in your life and your community this week? Form your answer into a prayer to him now. He’s listening.
Day 3
Optimism chooses to see how circumstances could work out for the best. Biblical hope, however, is not based on circumstances. In fact, hopeful people in the Bible often face difficult times with no evidence that things will get better, but they choose hope anyway. For example, Israel’s prophet Micah lived in the midst of injustice and evil but looked to God for hope. READ 6 for the son treats the father with contempt, the daughter rises up against her mother, the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; a man’s enemies are the men of his own house. 7 But as for me, I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me. 8 Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD will be a light to me. Micah 7:6-8 REFLECT -Notice some of the troubles Micah lists in verse 6 and how he responds in verse 7 and 8. What are some of the troubles around you right now? How does Micah’s response encourage or challenge you today? -Take a moment to echo Micah’s prayer to God. He hears you.