Hope in RevelationSample

Hope Springs Eternal

In the Gospel of John, Jesus tells us that on this earth we "will have many trials and sorrows." What hope is there if this is true? The poet, Alexander Pope (1688–1744) wrote that "hope springs eternal" in our hearts. Hope is something God has instilled in each of us. Hope not in what we see but in what we don’t see, and the hand of God working in and through our circumstances.

Jesus tells us to "take heart." But how can we do that when our circumstances are so dire? How can we do that when we can’t see a way out of our situation? Note that Jesus declares that He has overcome the world. We aren’t victims. No, we are victors. Hope isn’t in what is around us, but rather hope is in the person and promise of Jesus Christ, who is in our hearts; in each and every heart who listens to His Word and believes. Jesus has revealed God to us (John 17:6), and in that revelation, we find that eternal, wonderful hope.

My mother used to tell me, "You’re not hopeless and helpless, you know?" And she was right. Our hope springs from Christ, who is with us and comes from God eternal, whose steadfast love endures forever. I am not hopeless. I have Jesus, and because I believe in Him and know of His love, I am not helpless.

Hope resounds in every heart because Jesus came and revealed God to each of us. He showed us the hope that springs eternal in every heart. Praise the Lord. Amen.

Written by CHRIS PARFOOT