The Power of Hope

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Romans 5:1-5

In the midst of our daily struggles, we cannot do without hope. This single spiritual blessing may at first glance seem rather lightweight and inconsequential…but it is anything but that. In fact, we all need hope to soldier through the darkest times. There is power in hope.

There is power in hope

As this passage in Romans 5 succinctly states, we can glory in our tribulations because we know (by faith) that the results of suffering will produce a wonderful resiliency within us. It’s true.

Following the pattern of this Romans 5 passage, we read that there is a sequence of results that stem from our troubles, trials, and woes.

Our trials produce good fruit in our hearts

Tribulation produces perseverance.

Perseverance produces character.

Character produces hope.

And hope never disappoints.

Within the space of five brief verses, a huge eternally significant life lesson on the value of hope is presented to us. How can we lose hope in even the most dire of circumstances when God’s Word tells us that the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit? But let’s be honest, we do, at times, lose hope.

So how can we learn to find the comfort and solace we need in moments of desperation? We must learn to camp out in the powerful promises found throughout the Bible and rest there.

Jesus is with us in our storms

As Edward Welch writes in his excellent text, A Small Book for the Anxious Heart, “Living in hope means growing in the awareness that Jesus will be with us in the troubles of tomorrow. Hope also looks past tomorrow, all the way to when Jesus will appear in all his glory.”  Yes indeed. There is power in hope.

Our task then, is to marshal our thoughts and the intentions of our heart to seek Him first. To trust Jesus through every trial and sorrow. To place the weight of our burdens in His capable hands. To relinquish our private goals into His care and keeping. To wait upon God to answer our prayers. To remain calm and steady in our storms. There is power in hope.

Questions for Personal Reflection:

1. Take time to memorize these verses on the power of hope. Carry them with you throughout the day as a reminder of the good work God is doing within your heart.
2. Today spend time thanking God for his blessings large and small. Focus on God’s faithfulness to you in the midst of your trials.
3. Journal this week on the wonderful transformation that can take place within our hearts and minds as we learn to lean hard on God in times of suffering. Record the growth you observe within your heart and mind as you purpose to trust Him.