Hope . . .

In two days 2024 will be a reality. Wow! It seems like only yesterday that we were worried if the world’s computer systems would hold under the uncertainty of a new millennium. 

That said, I doubt that there is one person who — despite what 2023 has dished out — doesn’t hope 2024 is better. That’s what a new year brings, isn’t it? Hope.

— Hope for better international relations
— Hope for better national unity
— Hope for better local economy
— Hope for better personal situations

When we say we “hope” for these things, what we are saying is we wish they will come true. We have no control over whether or not the do, but we certainly want them to become a reality. Our hope is a wish, uncertain but desired.

But when the Bible speaks of hope, it is the confident expectation of what God has promised. And this hope gets its strength is in His constant faithfulness.

So yes, we can “hope” the circumstances in the world and our lives improve this next year. We can pray that this is the will of God.

But more importantly we can have hope—certainty—of the following:

—That God is our protector and our help and his love is constant (Psalm 33:20-22)
—That God hears us (John 5:14; I John 5:15; Jeremiah 29:12-13; Psalm 66:17-20)
—That He will renew our strength when we grow weary with the struggles of life (Isaiah 40:31)
—That He forgives our sins (Psalm 103:10-12; Acts 2:38-39)
—That Christ will return (I Thessalonians 1:10 + 50 more verses)

There are even more “certainties” we can have in God--more reasons we can place our “hope” in Him. 

As 2024 unfolds, I pray that each day will bring you into a deeper relationship with the God of Hope—the God of Certainties.

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