Living Hope

Today we have more conveniences and comforts than at any other time in history. We enjoy a wider variety of choices in literally every area of our lives. Through web cams and Internet technology, we have an unprecedented ability to stay connected to people in almost any area of the world. Who needs the good old days anyway?

Yet, in spite of the multitude of technological advances designed to make our lives easier and less stressful, feelings of despair are at an all-time high. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among teenagers. Adults suffer from "mid-life crises" which is usually nothing more than a realization of unmet expectations. Economic woes, high unemployment rates, lack of confidence in political leaders and increases in domestic and international unrest all add to an unsettling future. Jean-Paul Sartre, a huge proponent of existentialism (the philosophy that focuses on the importance of individual freedom), came to this depressing conclusion: "There is no exit from the human dilemma." Talk about utter hopelessness.

As God's men, we have a promise to claim in 1 Peter 1:3 that shatters all notions of despair: ...According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Our salvation doesn't just give us hope for eternity; it is a living hope for today, tomorrow and every day of our lives. Because we have an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled and unfading and kept in heaven (v. 4), we can boldly and confidently live in accordance with God's will knowing that He alone holds the future and his promises to us are glorious and beyond compare.

Living hope is rooted in the goodness and promises of God; giving us peace, stability, security and endurance unlike anything else. Jesus didn't defeat death on the cross so that we could live in bondage to the human dilemma without exit. His resurrection is the living hope that gives us no cause to be hopeless.