Not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and this hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given us. (Romans 5:3-5 NASB)
On Monday we saw that there is hope that can only disappoint us, because that hope is located in something smaller than God. Today we will plumb the depths of a hope that cannot and will not disappoint, because that hope is found in the One and Only, the King of kings and the Lord of lords, Jesus Christ Himself. And for that truth, we must be eternally humble and thankful.
When the Bible speaks of “hope,” we are to understand it as a confident assurance of our good God working all things together for our good, no matter what. Unlike the typical way in which we use the word “hope” to mean we wish something will happen, a wish grounded in uncertainty (as in “I hope we have good weather tomorrow”), biblical hope is as certain as the sun rising in the east and setting in the west. Because this hope springs from the heart of God, we can rest assured that it cannot fail, it cannot falter, and it absolutely will not disappoint. This “holy” hope that springs forth from our Holy God is the message we must preach to ourselves — not just daily, but moment by moment. It is, as the psalmist shows us, a kind of arguing within the soul, what I call preaching to yourself:
“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God” Psalm 42:5
Our sinful nature is continually cast down and daily disquieted, which is why we must be proactive and intentional about keeping this hope before us as “a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul” (Hebrews 6:19 ESV). We must see it, we must speak it, and we must savor it, regardless of the circumstances we are facing in life. The writer of the letter to the Hebrews described this hope beautifully: “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). You see, this hope that is rooted in Jesus is full of faith, and the faith that is rooted in Jesus is full of hope . . . and that hope simply cannot disappoint.
As you ready yourself for Thanksgiving tomorrow, would this not be a good time to prayerfully consider just how thankful you truly are for this hope that cannot and will not disappoint? Remember, the certainty of this hope that promises the blessings of God comes through the presence of the promised Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8). And when you find yourself in a season when storm winds are blowing and you feel discouragement tugging at your thoughts, remember the ultimate hope: the return of Jesus Christ, who will wipe away every tear from our eyes, and there will be no more pain, no more sorrow, and no more death.
Oh, what a glorious hope we have! It cannot and will not disappoint, because our hope is rooted in the conquering King.
Have a hope-filled Thanksgiving!
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 