When All Else Fails: Have Hope

Years ago I was reading a book that contained a most interesting, disturbing, and thought-provoking statement: “There is a dramatic difference between ‘giving up’ and ‘given up’.” Giving up may take a long time. It begins when we start to evaluate what is going on in our lives and attempt to come to a conclusion as to whether or not the struggle or struggles we are having are worth the effort. Given up is when we come to the conclusion that the struggle or struggles we face are no longer worth the effort it takes to breathe, and we resign ourselves to fate or death, and life loses its meaning. What was “hope and a bright future” is over, and what’s left is resignation and death.

Again, we find sound advice and great encouragement from a proverb: “There is surely a future hope for you and your hope will not be cut off.” In other words, “what is” may not be what we would like it to be. But remember, “what is” is not the end. We are to look beyond the present and accept the wisdom that comes from God and rest in His hope - not our circumstances.

The word translated “a future” describes “something that comes after something else.” It is what is last or behind or beyond what we can presently see – it comes from what we believe.

We can take “hope” from the words of Jeremiah: “This is what the Lord says? For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and will bring you back from captivity.”

Whatever captivates is as temporary as a passing cloud. How we view “the cloud” is up to us. Do we give up on God or give “the cloud” to God and trust and have hope in Him?

Prayer: Thank You, Father, for giving us hope – knowing that “what is” will pass, and that our future is with You and in Your hands! May our hope be in You if our hope fails. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: Proverbs 23:18 There is surely a future hope for you and your hope will not be cut off.