Jesus IS Hope

Let’s talk today about how Jesus is Hope.

Hope isn’t a feeling; it’s a foundation, and Jesus is the foundational hope that we can stand firm on.

Worldly hope is where we often sit in the state of mind of “maybe things will work out,” but biblical hope is a confident trust in God and knowing that all things work through Him — for our good and for His glory.

Jesus doesn’t just give hope — He is hope.

We are hopeful and we want the best of things. We place our hope in plans, outcomes, and circumstances, but oftentimes placing such hope on those things can bring disappointment when they don’t work out.

Think about a time when you were hopeful to provide something for your family, but you weren’t really able to do that. When I think of that, I think of all the food pantries all over the Houston area. I’ve served at one a few times, and while I’m there, I see the people receiving food. It just seems like they are there picking up food like they would at a grocery store, but I think there is hope behind their eyes and in their hearts because this week they don’t have to worry about getting food.

The Bible tells us that God takes care of the birds of the sky, and they don’t worry about anything.

God created us and sees us and takes care of us even more than He does them. There is hope in the Lord because no matter what the need, He provides. He provided by laying it on the hearts of people to open food pantries and help those who needed help.

There is renewed hope when we know the Lord is our provider.

Focusing on hope as something that is secure keeps us anchored and confident.

Hebrews 6:19 says, “This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.”

There is something unexplainable that happens when our hope remains in Jesus. He is steady when circumstances change, and the knowledge of that leads to unexpected peace and hope.

When we brace ourselves for what is to come with a covering of Jesus’ hope, we can walk away saying, “That was hard, but I made it through because God was with me.” That keeps our hope growing.

I bake quite a bit, but for some reason I am not good with multi-layered cakes. I have tried every time, and I feel so hopeful in the stacking and making sure it’s not going to slide one way or another, but as soon as I stack and start to ice it, the sliding on the top layer begins. It doesn’t matter if the cake is completely cooled — I just can’t do it.

But that doesn’t deter my hopefulness.

My hope in those times is a bit misplaced toward this cake. I think that’s a little okay because that means we will keep trying. If I were hopeful in myself, there might be less overthinking and doubt.

This is because our hope is in good things, and knowing that will help us through. We live and we learn, and we can find ourselves confident in God’s outcome for us.

Hope grows when it’s rooted in Christ.

Some good words of encouragement that we can carry with us today are that our hope is secure because Jesus is faithful, and that Jesus is our hope — He’s steady, present, and trustworthy.

We here at KJIC have volunteered to serve food at PTSD Camp Hope in Houston. This organization is an organization of hope for those who suffer from PTSD. The program the veterans go through is a faith-based program, and they are able to see how God is with them and how, through this program, they can and will be able to live a full life.

PTSD can be debilitating, but with God, we know all things are possible.

Hope sustains us through hard times of waiting, change, and uncertainty. God hears us and is with us, giving us the answers we seek, the time and patience we need, and, of course, clarity.

Hope doesn’t eliminate hardship; it actually gives us the strength we need to make it through.

Jesus is hope and therefore consistently offers hope to people who feel overlooked, discouraged, and stuck.

Hope in Christ is not dependent on progress or circumstances; it is dependent on the knowledge that we know He is ever-present with us.

Hope can coexist with hardship — it all depends on our perspective and where our hope lies in how we will handle things.

Sometimes life is heavy, and we just need the reminder that Jesus does meet us where we are, and that brings hope into real life. It may not change the things happening to us, but they might feel a little lighter.

Hold on to hope today. Even the small bits of hope that we come across will help us.

Let’s take a moment to pray.

Lord, thank You for sending Your Son to walk through many of the same things we do and demonstrate what it means to truly depend on You. With that guidance, we can live with renewed hope in times of discouragement, waiting, uncertainty, and fear.

Lord, anchor our hearts to the faithfulness of Christ and let us live by the light of hope that He offers to us. Thank You, Lord, for today and for Your mercy and grace. Amen.

Are you thinking ahead to the next year and already feeling worn down, tired, and just unsure of what might be next? Are you even juggling the question, “Are things going to change?”

We have hope for the things to come because of our faith in the Lord and knowing that He has a plan. Jesus will give you the reassurance you need. Just ask Him.

Hope will grow when we lean into the Lord each and every day.

Hope in Jesus is living hope — that’s because He is consistent and powerful.

Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and that right there gives us hope.

God says to give Him your burdens and He will take them — don’t carry all your stuff alone.

Where do you need to lean into the hope of Jesus today?