Sometimes pastors are accused of only having one sermon that they give in hundreds of different ways. Some probably think that about my articles. No matter the subject, my underlying theme seems to always return to hope!

And has hope ever been needed more than over the last year?

What I look to in dark times

Challenges and trials can test our faith and dim our hope. In the dark times I cling to the Word of God that He lovingly gave us “that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4).

Some of my favorite hope-filled passages include:

• “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11, New King James Version throughout).
• “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
• “Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13).
• “This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil” (Hebrews 6:19).
• “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23).
• “For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: ‘The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:5-6).
• “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (1 John 3:2-3).

So many other encouraging and meaningful passages come to mind, but hopefully these are sufficient for today.

The message of hope resonates with both the churched and unchurched

Faithful Christians need these reminders in times of trial. But people of every background and belief yearn for a message of hope. So we strive to reach out with different approaches:

• Stories of people who felt hopeless.
• Stories of people buoyed by hope.
• Mental health tips and advice.
• Tips for combatting the enemies of hope.
• Online articles in several languages.
• Printed publications.
• Audio/podcasts.
• Videos.
• PDF downloads.

We hope this variety of approaches reaches a variety of readers in ways that are effective for them, that give them seeds of hope.

Though many of our readers may not begin with knowledge of or trust in the Bible, our desire is to lead them to understand real hope—God’s hope—the hope that “does not disappoint” (Romans 5:5)!

by Mike Bennett, Life, Hope, & Truth

Photo by Pablo Heimplatz on Unsplash