Live Above Evil's Bridge of Destruction

During war, however war is defined, the moral underpinnings of a nation are put to the test. War presents opportunities for the highest moral character to be exercised. At the other end of the spectrum, a corrupt person choses to live outside of Christian values and ethics because what is hoped for is beyond what God will bless.

Those who have no hope in God depend solely on their intelligence, and even deception, to succeed. Realistic, healthy hope does not anchor its roots in deception and falsehood. God calls everyone to live above evil. Evil builds a bridge to destruction and isolation that separates evildoers from the presence of Christ Jesus.

Evil offers no realistic hope that will endure. We are admonished then to turn from evil and put on righteousness by entrusting our lives into God’s protection and provision. By believing and trusting in Christ Jesus, we put on a new life that overcomes sin by God’s power within us. That is wonderful news.  

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If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil any your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.  

~1 Peter 3:10-12 New Living Translation

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Keeping Hope Alive

Realistic hope is never passive even as it is forced to wait patiently for fulfillment. Hope is always coupled to a plan for what can be achieved. Creativity, challenging work, and alertness to opportunities are key factors for hope to be realized. These attributes nurture expectations that keep hope alive.

Hope is the door to opportunity, yet it embraces some degree of risk and disappointment. The very nature of hope projects uncertainty because what is hoped for cannot be seen. However, hope for the future can’t help but raise expectations for something good to be experienced.

For hope to be realistic and healthy it must be grounded in positive good for oneself and others. Romans 12:12 gives these instructions: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” Be alert for opportunities to exercise your faith in Christ Jesus which brings hope for fulfillment.  

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The Spirit makes us sure about what we will be in the future. But now we groan silently, while we wait for God to show that we are his children. This means that our bodies will also be set free. And this hope is what saves us. But if we already have what we hope for, there is no need to keep on hoping. However, we hope for something we have not yet seen, and we patiently wait for it.

~Romans 8:23-25 Contemporary English Version

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Learning the Value of Hope

 Most college students living away from home eventually learn to correctly manage their time and finances. One student revealed how he had neglected balancing his bank account and had to enact severe controls until his parents made a deposit. He related how just the thought of a particular food that he had to survive on during that time still makes him sick.

That experience taught him the value of hope. He learned that hope depends on setting boundaries to curb carelessness. This student’s hope was in his parents' love that allowed him to face hard lessons in life. 1 Corinthians 13 is encouraging. "Love always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres."

Realistic hope is anchored in faith and trust. This means hope believes there are solutions to life’s hardships and problems. To have hope is to know that you have a hiding place from the storms of life. Like the prophet Jeremiah, you can proclaim, "I will put my hope in the Lord God...for he is faithful and never fails."  

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Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.

~Hebrews 10:23 New Living Translation

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For a Bright Future, Light Your Pathway

Hope is comparable to a light that illuminates the pathway to the future, and seeing it come to fruition is like coming home to a reception filled with joyful celebration. Hope provides motivation for maintaining focus and staying on track, but critical for hope to materialize is avoiding distractions by confronting them.

As individuals progress into later adulthood, the object of hope may be retirement filled with relaxation, travel, and enjoyment of family and friends. Realistic hope is coupled with staying healthy in body and mind, eating properly, getting exercise, and taking medication as prescribed. Hope for a bright future involves preparation.

To avoid being distracted by the cares of the world, stay focused on God’s word for encouragement. Listen to Zephaniah 3:17. “The Lord your God is with you; his power gives you victory. The Lord will take delight in you and his love will give you new life.” Hope centered in Jesus Christ helps you stay focused.  

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Then Jesus again addressed them and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever continues to follow me need never walk in darkness, but will enjoy the light that means life.

~John 8:12 Williams – New Testament in the Language of the People

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Face Reality and Avoid Disappointment

Hope is always connected to the future. Everyone has had their hopes dashed by an unexpected turn of events, such as being passed over for a promotion when a salary increase would have provided for important needs in the family. Hope has validity when it’s centered on realistic needs.

One of my professors was fond of reminding his students that if they did not study for his exams, they would fail. Yet a friend of mine believed that if he sincerely prayed, God would make sure he passed the exams whether he had studied or not. He failed the exams because of vain expectations and false hope.

When hope has not been realized, disappointment and frustration are usually felt. Yet God’s word points to a better way forward. “Why are you cast down on O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? I will put my hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” Giving praise to the Lord lifts up the heart and soul and restores hope for the future.  

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Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon those who fear him and worship him with awe-inspired reverence and obedience, on those who hope confidently in his compassion and lovingkindness.

~Psalm 33:18 Amplified Bible

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