September 17, 2024

Hi Friends, 

In his book “Reason For Being,” which is a reflection on the book of Ecclesiastes, Jacques  Ellul quotes the French author, Georges Bernanos: 

“In order to be prepared to hope in what does not deceive, we must first lose hope in  everything that deceives.” 

Human beings are born with the need to hope. We find life incredibly difficult and not worth living if we discover that there is no hope in whatever area that we need it. The writer of  Proverbs understood this when writing: “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, …” (13:12). Yet,  with just the tiniest morsel of hope, people have been known to press on and to overcome overwhelming odds and handicaps. 

Unfortunately for us, the need to hope does not come with discernment. We can, and do,  place our hope in almost anything. Our lives are filled with moments when we have done just this. Be honest, now, have you never actually hoped that the election of a certain government or person would truly change the world and make it a better place? And, has your hope materialized for more than a moment? Have you never purchased a product that would most surely solve your problem in a given area of life? I’m living in a brand new house and, later today, I need to call the window manufacturer in order to arrange a service call. There are several deficiencies in our windows that are less than one year old — windows that come from a very good company with a reputation for quality. Let’s face it. Just as much as hope can empower, more than often it disappoints. 

Part of living as a disciple of Jesus is the process of clarifying and refining our hope. Even in  Christian circles, we place our hope in programs and people. This podcast has all the answers. That program changed my life and will change yours too. There is no end of things coming our way that tempt us to hope in them. But that hope will always disappoint us because it is not ultimate. We learn this by living and by placing our hope in things that disappoint. 

Speaking of God, Isaiah writes, “… he will be the stability of your times, abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is Zion’s treasure.” (33:6) We learn by experience that placing our hope anywhere but in God will bring disappointment. So, I ask you today, Hope For Lifers, where are you placing your hope? 

Place your hope in the living God. Then you will find, like the writer to the Hebrews says, We  have this hope as an anchor for our souls, firm and secure …” 

So, the next time something (or someone) in your life fails to deliver, be thankful. Your hope is being refined. 

Blessings! 

Doug