LIFE Posts - Hope on the path
This week we turn to look at things that help us continue on the narrow path of our ongoing sanctification: Faith and Hope. This week we’ll focus on hope, next week on faith. We start by visiting a beloved verse from Hebrews.
Hebrews 11:1 (NASB95) 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. [1]
In this verse, the Greek root translated as “faith” is pistis, which means “to believe to the extent of complete trust and reliance—‘to believe in, to have confidence in, to have faith in, to trust, faith, trust.’”[2] The Greek root translated as “hoped” is elpis, which means “to look forward with confidence to that which is good and beneficial.”[3] This hope is one with a strong confidence behind it – it isn’t a lukewarm wishful thinking hope. But we need to be careful as we apply such hope, because on the narrow path we must ensure that which we’re hoping for is strongly coupled with Who we’re trusting in.
Hope is interesting, in that we exercise it with varying degrees of force or expectation. For example, on the lesser degree of force side we can earnestly express desire for a particular outcome – be it trivial (your favorite team winning a game) or something greater (the weather being nice for your friend’s outdoor wedding). When the thing hoped for is large or is completely out of our control, we tend to have hope that could be characterized as something in the realm of “wishful thinking.” An example of a circumstance with a greater degree of hope would be hoping for a family member to recover from a critical illness. We see right away, however, that wishful thinking hope by itself doesn’t sound or seem right in such a case, does it?
This is where faith comes into play. Continuing the example of concern over a sick loved one, a believer can engage faith together with hope. Discerning the difference between the two requires some focus. John Piper, in a sermon on Biblical hope, summarized Abraham’s faith and hope described in Romans 4:18-22 as below (bold emphasis mine).
Abraham’s faith was his strong confidence in the reliability of God’s Word, and
Abraham’s hope was his strong confidence in the fulfillment of God’s promise.
In other words, whenever faith in God looks to the future, it can be called hope. And whenever hope rests on the Word of God, it can be called faith.[4]
I submit that engaging our faith, with hope, requires our submission to the Lord in order for us to truly reap His blessings. Recall our discussion on joy – that even in trials we are to be joyful, if for no other reason God’s Word tells us that they will make us more conformed to Him. In stressful trials such as a serious illness or diagnosis upon ourselves or a loved one, we will direct our hearts to prayer and spend time in God’s Word searching out His promises. Why? Because it is in these times that we come face-to-face with the reality that we cannot control everything, that we aren’t the masters of our world, but we know The Master of creation. We’ll continue looking at faith next week.
What are the things that cause people to lose hope and become discouraged? Our hope is tested through trials, since trials cause our assumptions and expectations to meet reality of living in a fallen world – which in turn test our convictions of faith and hope. If we anchor our hope on relationships, jobs, or other temporal circumstances, disappointment will be inevitable. How long we have to wait for a hoped-for outcome will test us. The Bible tells us that hope deferred makes the heart sick, while a desire fulfilled is a tree of life (Proverbs 13:12). Placing our hope in the wrong things produces disappointment – which is why we need to walk carefully on the narrow path. Hoping for a dream to be fulfilled isn’t wrong, but if our hope for that outcome shifts to a demanding expectation that is unsubmitted to God, it will produce the heart-sickness Proverbs speaks about. By unsubmitted, I mean that the dream becomes so important to us that we make it more important to us than God, which we know elevates it to be an idol.
Clinton and Hawkins write, “Discouragement is a feeling of despair, sadness, or lack of confidence. A discouraged person is disheartened. Three underlying causes contribute to discouragement are: lack of confidence in ourselves; lack of confidence in God; [and] lack of hope for the future. Because discouragement is a feeling or emotion, it can play games with our minds. We must learn how to control our minds, and thus our discouragement, and lean on God for strength."[5]
This is easier said than done, obviously, and if we try to “control our minds” in our own strength, we will fail. The devil, who is called the accuser, will attempt to heap shame on top of our discouragement, telling us that our faith isn’t strong as God expects it to be. Such thinking leads to a performance-based view of God, which results in exhaustion and hopelessness. Many Christians, reacting to such accusation, will deny their feelings of discouragement and not be real about those feelings. Instead of facing those feelings, they try to bottle them up and bury them. They try to “earn” God’s favor through effort and good works – wearing themselves out.
The enemy is silenced, however, when we pursue God through His Word. A common surprise realization for people who are discouraged is the lamenting and complaining in the Psalms. Kenneth Turner writes:
One of the most popular Bible verses is Phil 2:14: “Do all things without grumbling or arguing” (cf. 1 Pet 4:9). Also, a well-known story is the constant complaining of the Israelites in the wilderness (Exod 16:2–12; Num 11:1; 14:1–4; 20:3–5), a memory rehashed by biblical writers as a paradigmatic sin (e.g., Deut 9:22–24; Ps 95:8–11; 1 Cor 10:10). Yet, when half the psalms are laments (not to mention an entire biblical book called Lamentations), it is clear there is a place in the life of faith to question, challenge, and complain. The impeccable Son of God had no problem crying, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matt 27:46, quoting Ps 22:2[1]).
A major difference between acceptable and unacceptable complaining is motive. The subsequent response of the one complaining often reveals the heart. The grumbling Israelites were self-centered to the core, having no regard for God’s glory or trust in his protection and provision, despite all they had witnessed. This led to idolatry, sexual immorality, and challenging God-appointed authority. The complaint psalms (discussed above) are consumed with retributive and social justice. Even when the honesty of the moment involves questioning God’s actions and character, it stems from a right foundation of wanting consistency based on God’s own self-revelation. The righteous complainer opens himself up to a transforming process that matures his understanding of God and strengthens his faith. Abraham resigned himself to believe that the Judge of all the earth shall do right even when Abraham could not see how (Gen 18:25). Even Job, who surely crossed the line in his complaints, received an overall positive evaluation from God after Job learned to shut his mouth following a fresh encounter with God (Job 42:7–8). The lament and complaint psalms usually end with a statement of trust and submission.[6]
Unresolved or ongoing discouragement can result in depression, which unfortunately has carried a stigma with it, making some people unwilling to consider they could even be depressed. Years ago I personally had that thinking, and neither wanted to believe or admit that I could be depressed. I believed the devil, who was telling me that it was impossible for me to be depressed if I was a true Christ follower, which made me doubt my identity in Christ. I’m thankful for my wife’s persistent encouragement that helped me come to grips with what was happening – and get help. A deep dive on the topic of depression is beyond this newsletter, though there are many excellent resources that discuss it appropriately. Whether through your church’s pastoral care program or by taking first steps by looking at online resources, dealing with depression is critically important. Know that there is no condemnation for those in Christ (Romans 8:1), so any message or thought of condemnation doesn’t come from Jesus.
It is obvious that the opposite of discouragement is encouragement. How do we become encouraged in the midst of hopelessness? First, always, is seeking God through prayer, communion with the Holy Spirit, and pursuing His truth in His Word. Identify your thoughts, write them down, and see what the Word says about those topics. Identify the (applicable) promises God has for His people and choose to believe them. Apply what the Word says and be blessed (Luke 11:28).
A second source of encouragement is from other believers. Tony Evans notes that God has deliberately placed believers in community so they can have a hand in each other’s well-being. Scripture commands believers to ‘encourage one another day after day’ and to stimulate one another toward love and good deeds through regular assembly. This isn’t optional comfort; God wants each believer in the body of Christ to be a vessel through which He strengthens others, and He wants others to strengthen you. When discouragement runs deepest, isolated suffering intensifies the darkness; as believers identify with others in pain and encourage them, they become the hands and feet of Jesus, offering His hope, love, kindness, and grace.[7] Hearing the testimony of others reinforces our hope and faith since we see and hear witnesses of God’s activity in their lives.
A third way to culture encouragement and hope is by evaluating your perspective – often we’re focused on the disappointment so much that we lose track of not just the eternal blessings we have with God, but we forget what He has already done in our lives. Psalm 103:3-5 shows David recalling the things that God has done for him in his life; from forgiveness of sin to physical healing, David counted the blessings given by God. The Psalmist who wrote Psalms 42 and 43 challenged his own soul (recall, soul is mind, will and emotions) in the midst of circumstances that were far from pleasant. The Psalmist writes:
Psalm 43:5 (AMP2015) 43:5 Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why are you restless and disturbed within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall again praise Him, The help of my [sad] countenance and my God. [8]
We have to make the choice to hope in God, being encouraged in Him. It isn’t always easy, especially during the trials of life, but we have true life in Christ. In prayer we submit ourselves to God – our triumphs and our trials – and our perspective shifts to the eternal instead of the temporal. We see Him and His Love for us, and even through a trial, our hearts gain a renewed hope. At first, it may seem like just a drop, but as we cling to Him, drops will grow into streams. Maintain connection with others, sharing the trials and the triumphs, for in the Body of believers we are made whole.
Application/Questions/Journal your thoughts
- Last week we talked about deciding in advance how you will respond to circumstances. This very type of choice helps protect our hope when difficulties come. John Piper defines biblical hope as “confident expectation and desire for something good in the future. Biblical hope not only desires something good for the future; it expects it to happen. And it not only expects it to happen; it is confident that it will happen. There is a moral certainty that the good we expect and desire will be done.”[9] How can you apply this? How can you build your confidence in God? How do you avoid being disappointed if your expectations aren’t met? Share with another brother or sister in Christ.
- Encouraging others is something we’re told to do in the Word (1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 3:13; Hebrews 10:24-25) – but if we’ve allowed ourselves to be too busy or too focused on ourselves, we miss the opportunities to encourage others. Sometimes when we need to be encouraged, helping someone else brings our own countenance up. How can you make yourself “ready” to encourage others? Ask the Holy Spirit to identify someone you can encourage today.
Scripture of the week
1 Timothy 1:1 (NASB95) 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the commandment of God our Savior, and of Christ Jesus, who is our hope, [10]
1 Peter 1:3 (NASB95) 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, [11]
Hebrews 6:9–12 (NASB95) 6:9 But, beloved, we are convinced of better things concerning you, and things that accompany salvation, though we are speaking in this way. 6:10 For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints. 6:11 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, 6:12 so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. [12]
Romans 15:13 (NASB95) 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. [13]
Psalm 130:5 (NASB95) 130:5 I wait for the Lord, my soul does wait, And in His word do I hope. [14]
Weekly prayer
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word – and that You make it plain that there are seasons of challenge as well as triumph. Thank You that You care about my needs and desires, from the largest to the smallest. Thank You for being my hope. Help me to remain in You, walking by Your Spirit so that I have the life and peace Your Word promises. Use me, Lord, please to be an encourager for those who need it. I ask this in Your Name Jesus! Amen.
Freedom Facet
Hope is a precious commodity in today’s world. The hope that Christians have is an anchor of the soul, sure and reliable (Hebrews 6:19) – but we must maintain hold of this hope by consistently focusing on Christ, not the world. Maintaining our hope and trust in God and His Word takes effort and is helped by remaining in community with other believers.
Jesus's Freedom is for those who call Him Lord - those who believe in Him. If you’ve not yet accepted Christ Jesus as Your Lord, and would like to, say the following prayer aloud.
Lord Jesus, I confess and realize that I am a sinner, and without You, I am lost and separated from God. Thank You for going to the cross and dying for my sins – I ask for Your forgiveness for my sins, and I thank you and receive the forgiveness of my sins Your Word says is now mine! Holy Spirit, I thank You that You now reside within me. I lay down my will for Yours and ask for Your daily guidance and direction to make me more and more like You. Amen!
The Bible tells us that if we confess Jesus as Lord with our mouth and believe in our hearts that God resurrected Jesus from the dead, we are saved for eternity. If you’ve just accepted Jesus as Lord, know that heaven is celebrating right now (Luke 15:10)! Rejoice because you are a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), and now have begun the process of sanctification becoming like Him. Keep coming back, as we explore Freedom facets and what our Identity in Christ truly is. Share this joyous news with a brother or sister in Christ and get connected in your local church! LIFE is yours!
Small Group Invitations - Week of July 12, 2026
Below are invitations to just a couple of Men's Small Groups that are happening this week, both a part of Celebration Church, Georgetown, Texas. If these don't work for you, or if you're not a Celebration Church, TX attendee - regardless of the church you attend - being a part of small group is immensely important! If you're not involved in one, I pray that you find one that works for your schedule and you get plugged in. Being connected in the local church will bless you immeasurably!
Tuesday Morning Men's Fellowship Group: 6am - 7am at Rudy's BBQ in Round Rock, Texas. Join us for a time of fellowship where we'll discuss the message from the Pastors on Sunday, the newsletter contents, or whatever is going on in the lives of the brothers meeting.
Friday Morning Celebration Men: This week we'll meet at Rudy's BBQ in Round Rock. Join us at 6:30 am for fellowship and discussion about God's Word. We'll conclude at 8am so people can get to work.
[1] New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. 1995. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[2] Louw, Johannes P., and Eugene Albert Nida. 1996. In Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains, electronic ed. of the 2nd edition., 1:375. New York: United Bible Societies.
[3] Louw, Johannes P., and Eugene Albert Nida. 1996. In Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains, electronic ed. of the 2nd edition., 1:295. New York: United Bible Societies.
[4] Piper, John. 2007. Sermons from John Piper (1980–1989). Minneapolis, MN: Desiring God.
[5] Clinton, Tim, and Ron Hawkins. 2009. The Quick-Reference Guide to Biblical Counseling: Personal and Emotional Issues. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books.
[6] Turner, Kenneth J. 2023. Habakkuk: The Judge of All the Earth Shall Do Right. Edited by Daniel I. Block. Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the Old Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic.
[7] Tony Evans, Experiencing God Together: How Your Connection with Others Deepens Your Relationship with God (Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2020).
[8] Amplified Bible | 2015 (AMP). 2015. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
[9] Piper, John. 2007. Sermons from John Piper (1980–1989). Minneapolis, MN: Desiring God.
[10] New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. 1995. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[11] New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. 1995. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[12] New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. 1995. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[13] New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. 1995. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.