With the speed, depth, and access to what is happening in the world, we are constantly aware of the tragedies and devastations that exist in life. 

 In the face of ongoing wars, genocides, storms, and poverty, it is easy to see why so many in our world lack any real hope.  Just as concerning is seeing people in our own community live with a false sense of hope that is built a premise or premises that are the antitheses of hope.  

Regardless of reality, hope is something that we need as humans and is available if we know where to look.  

Romans 15:13 says, “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him.  Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” (NLT)  

This is a passage that has been common in my personal devotions and preaching for the past several years.  As I continue to hear the people’s stories of hopelessness and devastation, I continue to remind them, and myself, that there is only one source of real hope, the God of the universe who loves us and has a plan for us.  

The necessity of trust in reference to hope cannot be avoided.  

None of us can hope in someone or something if we do not trust that person or thing.  The mistake we are often making has more to do with where we put our trust then where we find our hope.  

Discerning where to place our trust is a constant battle, especially in a culture of social media opinions, fake news and the ongoing lies of the enemy of our souls.  It would then be rational to say that those who trust in the Lord are offered real hope, a hope that they can trust is tried, true and forever.  

You see the reason hope is fleeting in this life is because people, the government and even our families fail us and break our trust.  

Our God, however, never changes and therefore is trustworthy to the end of time.  

Look back at the passage from Romans 15.   The Apostle Paul not only offers the gift of God’s hope to those who put their trust in the Lord, but he also tells us that we can find joy and peace as well.  

I don’t know about you, but I am always wanting more joy and peace in my life and in the life of those whom I love and care for.  

At some level, this offer is the whole package and increases the trust factor even more.  When we trust in God, He gives us all we need to navigate life. 

My challenge to all of us this coming week and as we begin to close out the month of July is to audit where we put our trust and therefore find joy, peace and HOPE.  

True hope is the gift given to those who trust in the Heavenly Father and put their hope in the source of life and the source of hope.  

That Is Good News!

 

Rev. Brad McKenzie is Lead Pastor at Frist Church of the Nazarene, 3810 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Orange.