It is said that an optimist believes we live in the best of all possible worlds and the pessimist fears this is true. As Jeremiah looked around at his world, he truly did not see “the best of all possible worlds.” He also didn’t have disabling fear that this was as good as it can get. He was able, through faith, to pen these extraordinary words while faced with immense adversity, “’The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘Therefore I hope in Him!’” (Lamentations 3:24) His hope was not defined by his circumstances; instead, it was anchored in the reality of God and his steadfast love.
And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation
produces perseverance, and perseverance, character; and character, hope.
Romans 5:3-4
For those of us who are in Christ, we should say with certainty that our hope is in Him, our Lord and Savior. We sing the song, “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.” In Romans 5:1-2, Paul makes it clear that “we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” enabling us to “rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” But did you know that one’s hope can be refined? But how you might ask? One way is through tribulations. Paul and Barnabas, as they worked with the early church, said, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). As difficult as tribulations can be at times, it is to our benefit as Christians to see such events as opportunities for God to work in our lives. The word produces means to do that from which something results. In this case, it appears to be a sort of domino effect. First, it effects perseverance or patience (NIV) which means steadfastness, constancy, endurance. This sets the stage for the building of character or as the KJV translates this word, experience. The word simply means approvedness, tried character. The Psalmist writes, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way of everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24). The genuineness of one’s conviction is often revealed in the midst of adversity. And when circumstances take all sense of earthly hope away, what is left is the only real hope for mankind.
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 5:5
As Jeremiah witnessed the devastation around him, he was overwhelmed with what was taking place. Still, in the midst of such adversity, his anchor was unmoved: His hope was in the Lord! For us today, as we place our hope in the redemptive work of Christ, we can face adversity with similar conviction. The conviction that God is working in our lives and that this work will further develop, our understanding of real hope. A hope that is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and His righteousness. Therefore, I will have hope
Dennis
