A Message Of Hope – #1

To be without hope is discouraging – even exhausting. Equally, a message of hope is such welcome news. Perhaps you need that right now.

This is #1 in a series on hope. So, stay tuned!

Do You Need A Message Of Hope?

Do you feel discouraged? Perhaps very tired? Or maybe just “down-in-the-dumps?” At times, it’s easy to think problems you face are too big. Plus, your resources to solve them feels too small. Additionally, you might be addressing health complications – or relationship losses.

When you face difficulties with limited energy, it’s easy to think –

• Eloquence – thinking on your feet – is not easy for you.
• You lack wisdom.
• Blaring are your weaknesses, not your strengths. Failures, not your successes.
• Although you trust God, fears linger in your heart. Fear of failure, pain, what people will think, missing God’s best, exposing unattractive character in yourself or someone else, hurting or letting someone down.
• The task before you is overwhelming. You tremble at what God asks you to do.

 

Well, let me say – when you’re in this place, you need a message of hope!

Message of Hope

When do you need hope?

• Discouraged.
• Very tired.
• Overwhelmed.
• Broken-hearted.
• Losses.

 

In these conditions, you need positive messages, not negative ones. Additionally, you need renewal that refreshes your soul. Simply put – you need hope – not fear or limiting conditions.

When you need a message of hope, there are helpful places to turn. Still, there’s no better place to turn than your Bible.

Amazingly, Scripture – God’s very words – helps you remember what really matters in life. Plus, it focuses on what will last forever. Additionally, God’s Word reminds that your situation – no matter how severe – is no match for the power and love of God. Plus, His words provide healthy action steps to get you through tough times.

What Is Healthy Fear?

Fear is debilitating. However, there is one fear that enables, refreshes, and energizes. In fact, it’s exactly what you need. Interestingly, it’s the only fear you should welcome into your life. Remarkably, it’s healthy. Never will you be wrong to pursue this simple fear.

What is this unusual fear? It’s the fear of the Lord.

Fear of the Lord – A Message Of Hope

Most people don’t think “fear of the Lord” is hope. They believe fear is only negative. And when they equate fear with God, they turn away from Him.

If this has been your experience, I want to tell you some great news. The fear of the Lord is –

• A positive force.
• Powerful.
• Intimate.
• Inviting.
• Encouraging.
• Comforting.
• Kind and good.
• Energizing.
• Practical.

 

Consider this. The fear of the Lord opens the door to begin to know God – as a dear and precious Friend. He only shares His heart with people who trust, obey, and rest in Him. Plus, He shares “great and mysterious things you do not know.” (Jer. 33:3) Realistically, that’s what you need when you look for a message of hope.

Ultimately, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Prov. 9:10)

What Is Fear Of The Lord

Let’s define the fear of the Lord with helpful phrases:

1. A deep reverence in your heart for God, His holiness, and His opinions.
2. A respect for His ways, plans, perspective, and agenda that drives your choices.
3. An attitude of daily yielding because you’ve had a peek at God’s love and power. Or perhaps you haven’t had a peek – but you want one.
4. Resolve to do life God’s way, whether you agree or not. Whether it’s easy or not.
5. Willingness to take care of the Lord’s interests over your own – because –
   • You love Him back.
   • He never forgets your efforts for Him. Heb. 6:10 says, “God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people . . .”
6. Practice praise and gratitude in every situation. These are attitudes of your heart, that don’t depend on feelings. Rather, they are choices of obedience. You do have control over your choices.
7. A drive to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. To want Him more than anything. (Mk. 12:30; Phil. 3:7-11)
8. A thoughtful, pro-active decision to be a “living sacrifice” for this amazing Person. (Rom. 12:1)
9. A deep desire that eyes and hearts be attracted to Jesus as life’s answer when anyone needs a message of hope.

 

Last Thing You Need

Interestingly, the last thing you need when you are truly discouraged is a list of things to do. So, start here. Just take one item from the previous “fear of the Lord” list each day.

• Ponder it.
• Pray over it.
• Picture it in your mind.
• Put it in your device as a reminder.
• Then practice it.

 

Each item in that list is something you can do! Choices don’t just happen. You go after them with resolve. Actually, this is how you make a statement about you – that you’re healthy enough to rise up with renewed courage into difficulties around you.

Additionally, your choices prove you are dependent on God. In other words, you trust His messages.

God’s Messages

God knows what’s in your heart. So, He has messages of hope for you –

“Do not fear.”

“I Am with you always.”

“I will never leave or forsake you.”

“Put your hope in Me. I have plenty to share.”

“I always provide a message of hope.”

Actually, God commands to practice His messages. Why command? Well, He’s –

• Very interested in your well-being.
• Intimately aware of your design as your Creator.
• Committed to love you deeply.

 

So, naturally, He is right to insist on encouraging messages in your life – rather than negative ones. Isn’t that what any good friend would do? God’s relationship with you is –

• Deep friendship.
• Refreshing love.
• Trustworthy partnership.
• A strong family bond.

 

Some Helpful “C” Words

Essentially, every message of hope flows out of “agreeing with God.” So, agree with Him –

• Completely.
• Consistently.
• Continually.
• Cheerfully.

 

Remarkably, agreeing with God is good practice even in times of doubt or difficulties. Most Jesus followers have such seasons. However, some have discovered hope is from God.

Hope flows from agreeing with God.

More Helpful “C” Words

When you intentionally practice agreeing with God, you begin to see His power strengthen your heart. This power becomes –

• Courage.
• Conviction.
• Connection to God and others.
• Comfort.

 

Suddenly, you become very aware – God’s message of hope changes your life.

Now For Some “P” Words

As you agree with God in all scenarios – even perhaps plagued with questions – you find your choices matter. When you practice courage, conviction, connecting with God, you also enjoy His comfort. Plus, your inner soul is renewed.

At this point, you find the strength and perseverance to do these things –

• Partner with God, and enjoy His love.
• Claim His power, in your life to then share credible hope with others.
• Practice the character of Jesus.
• Discover new purpose in your life.
• Embrace Jesus and daily life with passion!

 

So, “agree with God.” Remarkably, this transforms you.

In this place, not only do you have hope rising in your life. You also have a message of hope to pass on to others.

Application Thoughts And Questions

1. Do you need a message of hope right now?
2. In your current circumstances, are you receiving negative or positive messages? Which are you listening to?
3. Are you practicing a healthy fear of the Lord? Remember, it’s a respectful and intimate bond between you and a loving God.
4. Spend some time pondering descriptions we explored in the section “What Is The Fear Of The Lord.” Here’s the list again –
   1. 1. A deep reverence.
      2. Respect for Him.
      3. An attitude of daily yielding.
      4. Resolve to do life God’s way.
      5. Willingness to take care of God’s interests over your own.
      6. Practice praise and gratitude.
      7. Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
      8. Pro-active decision to be a “living sacrifice.”
      9. A deep desire that eyes and hearts be attracted to Jesus.
5. Which of these messages from God speaks to your heart right now?
   • • “Do not fear.”
     • “I Am with you always.”
     • “I will never leave or forsake you.”
     • “Put your hope in Me. I have plenty to share.”
     • “I always provide a message of hope.”
6. Pray with the psalmist – “My hope, Lord, is in You.” (Ps. 25:21)
7. What promises and commands has God given you in your current difficulty?
8. Are you claiming His messages of hope and practicing them?

 

This Series On Hope

1. A Message of Hope
2. Pinhole of Hope
3. You Are Included
4. Change Me, Lord! – New Hope
5. Strong Hope
6. Let Go. It’ll Be O.K.

 

If you have come to appreciate our weekly articles (and our podcast that contains the same content) please pray about becoming a donor to Alive and Active Life with a one-time gift – OR become a regular donor. Thank you for praying about this!

* Portions of this content come from our book – e-Pistles For An i-Generation: Relevant In A Digital Age – a devotional book that takes you through 1 and 2 Corinthians. You’ll find practical action points that help you know God better and nurture personal growth. You can find this book in our bookstore: www.aliveandactivelife.org/store.

I invite you to follow us on your favorite social media. Do sign up on our email list to receive weekly articles. PLUS tune-in to our weekly podcast using your preferred podcast app or use our online player at the top of each article.

Visit our website for resources to get into God’s Word and live an Alive and Active Life.