A Thrill of Hope
December 10, 2022

O holy night, the stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth;
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
‘Till he appeared and the soul felts its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn

40 Days Without Food
3 days Without Water
8 Minutes Without Air
Not One Second Without Hope

When We Cease To Hope, We Cease To Live

Recent Harvard Study Shows
51% of Young People Say They Feel Down, Depressed or Hopeless

What Hope is Not
It’s Not A Wish
It’s Not Positive Thinking
It’s Not A Dream
It’s Not A Personality

What Is Hope?
Hope Rests on Certainty
Hope Is Truth That Has Not Yet Happened
Hope and Your Imagination Are Unified

Old Testament Word – Imagination
New Testament Word – Hope

CRAB
Hope Is A Godly, Redeemed Imagination Based On God’s Truth

Psalms 71:14
But I will hope continually, And will praise You yet more and more.

1 Peter 1:13
Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ

The Source of Your Hope Is God

Romans 15:13
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

1 Peter 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead

Five Reasons For A Living Hope

1. Know Difficult Times Won’t Last Forever

2 Corinthians 4:18
while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:17
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,

2. Know Good Times Are Ahead

Romans 8:18 MSG
That’s why I don’t think there’s any comparison between the present hard times and the coming good times. The created world itself can hardly wait for what’s coming next. Everything in creation is being more or less held back. God reins it in until both creation and all the creatures are ready and can be released at the same moment into the glorious times ahead. Meanwhile, the joyful anticipation deepens.

3. Know God Uses All Things For Your Good

Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

James 1:2-4 MSG
Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.

4. Know Jesus Is Coming Back Someday Soon

John 14:1-3
Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know.”

James 5:8 MSG
Meanwhile, friends, wait patiently for the Master’s Arrival. You see farmers do this all the time, waiting for their valuable crops to mature, patiently letting the rain do its slow but sure work. Be patient like that. Stay steady and strong. The Master could arrive at any time.

5. Know Hopeful People Are Happy People

Romans 12:9-12
Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.

Difficulties Won’t Last
Good Times Are Ahead
God’s Working It All For My Good
Jesus Could Return Any Day
Hopeful People Are Happy People