Connecting Point: Hope in the Wind

COVID-19, the border crisis, inflation: are these stealing our sense of hope? Pessimism and wistful thinking keep many from enjoying the blessings of good cheer. The Oxford Dictionary defines wistful as “having or showing a feeling of vague or regretful longing.” Such a sentiment leads many to believe that hope is in the wind.

Although life has its share of difficulties, the Bible points us to eternal hope found in Jesus. Paul encourages us to look

beyond the temporary, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal,” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

Furthermore, Paul makes a very important conclusion in the book of Romans; those who are spiritually strong should sacrifice their own desires to live in harmony with others. The following are marks of hope: One, hopeful people build others up. Romans 15:1-2 reads, “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.”

Two, hopeful people hold dearly to the Word of God. Paul continues, “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide, we might have hope,” (Romans 15:4). Individuals throughout the Bible learned to endure struggle. We too should not give up. We should remain faithful to God’s principles.

Three, hopeful people accept others who are in Christ. Following Jesus encompasses a relationship with Christ and with other believers. The reality is that we need others who can inspire and encourage us every day. Paul explains this well, “May the God who gives endurance and

encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you,” (Romans 15:5-7).

Being part of Christ’s family, we learn to lean on others and gain strength. Ultimately, as healthy relationships develop, we then live in a way that brings glory to Jesus. Rather than being influenced by the temperament of our times, why not place your trust in the God of hope?