Hope In A Time Of Despair

HOPE (NT). Even if the noun “hope” is not found at all in the Gospels and the verb “to hope” is found only five times in the Gospels—with the OT sense of “to trust” (Matt 12:21; John 5:45) or with a purely secular and nonreligious sense (Luke 6:34; 23:8; 24:21)—the idea of hope as confidence in God “whose goodness and mercy are to be relied on and whose promises cannot fail” (Barr 1950: 72) is everywhere presupposed in the NT.

With Christmas around the corner, we find ourselves in a time that encourages personal reflection. For some, this season is filled with joy, lights, snow, and cherished family memories. For others, it’s filled with sadness, lights, snow, and painful family memories.

When I was young, Christmas was magical—a time of wonder and excitement. As I’ve grown older, I still love the season, but it isn’t filled with the same “magic” it once had. Life has progressed; loved ones have been lost, and responsibilities have grown.

Yet, amidst the challenges, there is a truth I hold onto: while I may occasionally feel discouraged, I will never be hopeless. Scripture tells us a story that is anything but hopeless, a story of eternal hope that cannot be diminished by circumstances.

When I reflect on the changes in my life and the growing challenges I face, I find myself turning to Scripture for reassurance. It reminds me that even in times of sadness or worry, I am never without hope.

You see, we often confuse worldly hope with eternal hope. Worldly hope depends on what’s happening around us, our job security, political climate, or the cost of living. It fluctuates with the winds of change. Worldly hope is like a candle in the wind, flickering and vulnerable to every gust of change. Eternal hope, by contrast, is like the sun, constant, steady, and unyielding.

As Christians, we have a hope that is unwavering because it rests on the One who cannot be moved, defeated, or diminished. The Psalmist beautifully captures this eternal hope when he writes:

Psalm 33:17-22

“A horse is a false hope for victory;

Nor does it deliver anyone by its great strength.

Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him,

On those who hope for His lovingkindness,

To deliver their soul from death

And to keep them alive in famine.

Our soul waits for the LORD;

He is our help and our shield.

For our heart rejoices in Him,

Because we trust in His holy name.

Let Your lovingkindness, O LORD, be upon us,

According as we have hoped in You.”

This Christmas, as we reflect on our joys and sorrows, let us be reminded of the hope we have in Christ—a hope that is constant, steadfast, and unshakable. Though life may bring fears and worries, we can stand firm knowing that our hope is in God. And because of that, we are never without reason to rejoice.