Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful (Hebrews 10:23)

Spring is my favourite time of year! As the days become longer and the flowers begin appearing I feel so much joy, especially as the warmer weather provides more opportunities to get out and about after the cold winter.

We often talk about hope in our lives, particularly at the moment: “I hope I don’t catch Covid” or “I hope children can return to school soon.” Although we know God has His hand on the situation, there is still uncertainty in these kinds of thoughts.

 

 

However, just as the crocus and daffodils will certainly soon be sprouting, brightening up our daily walks, we have a sure hope of a secure future ahead of us with God in heaven.

Here are a few scriptures to think about over the next couple of weeks, to help us focus on the theme of hopefulness.

 

 

The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send…will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you (John 14:26)

The Holy Spirit is someone to remember when we think about God keeping His promises to us. Jesus’ promise to send a ‘helper’ was made to the disciples and is also carried out in each of us who believe in Him.

Just as the promise of the Holy Spirit was, and is, fulfilled, we can also recall the many things that God has done in the past and all the goodness He’s brought to our lives. To help you remember these things, why not make a list of them and put it somewhere to read at the start and end of each day? You could also write out Psalm 71:5: For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth.

 

 

Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Saviour, and my hope is in You all day long (Psalm 25:5)

Whenever we catch up with a friend, we’re reminded of our friendship and that they’re still there for us – in the same way, talking to our Father God reminds us that He’s there for us too. As we talk to Him about what we’re struggling with and what we’re going through, we can ask Him to guide and direct us. This can also help build our confidence: Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9)

As part of praying and talking to God, it’s good to listen out for Him too; whether that’s while you’re praying or during the day, or even from somebody else saying something to you. God can use His answers to guide and strengthen you in the situation– and you might be surprised by His response!

 

 

Praise be to…the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

Being in a church means being part of a great community of people who have a wide range of life and faith experiences. This means that there will likely be another person who has been through something similar to what you are facing, and through this the church can support each other. You may be able to help someone else going through a similar difficulty in the future.

If you’re not too sure where to start with this, you can follow the example of the disciples straight after Jesus was taken to heaven, as They all joined constantly in prayer. (Acts 1:14) Praying with and for others is a great way to support each other.

 

 

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8)

In the Bible we see plenty of times in which God has worked in people’s lives and fulfilled promises to them. We see this especially in Abraham’s life, when his wife Sarah was seemingly too old to have children: Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him ‘So shall your offspring be’ (Romans 4:18).

We can take encouragement from reading others’ stories that God will never leave us or let us down, and that He is working in the background even if it doesn’t always feel like it. Others, like Ruth, Moses and Gideon, all saw this, and today we can draw on their experiences to also have confidence that God is at work in our lives, no matter what our situation.

We hope some of these themes will be beneficial to you over the next few weeks. As the new life of Spring is appearing, keep remembering the wonderful new life we have in God through Jesus’ death and resurrection: For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all (1 Corinthians 4:17)

If you want any more inspiration, why not listen to a song on the theme of Hope?