There is a hope that does not disappoint

This summer, I heard a speaker describe our society as facing a 'famine of hope.' He talked about how people are less optimistic about the future, and how anxiety, depression, and negative news are on the rise.

Hope is so fundamental to human wellbeing; it keeps us going in hard times and gives us purpose and meaning in life.

But is the increasing lack of hope in society because we put our hope in the wrong things that let us down?

Some of us put our hope in material possessions, what to wear, what to put in their homes, or what car to drive. But do the things we buy ever bring more than a temporary boost?

For others, it’s hope in relationships, work, or power. These often bring satisfaction and meaning, but people can be fickle, and circumstances can change, and looking for hope in these places can also leave us disappointed and frustrated. What we really need is a hope that’s lasting and dependable, something more than this world can offer us.

In the Bible, Abraham exemplifies this kind of hope. God told Abraham to go on a journey with him. He promised to make him into a great nation and bless everyone on earth through him (Genesis 12:2-3). Abraham believed in God without knowing where he was going or how he would get there.

Throughout the story of Abraham's life, we see that God guided him and provided all his needs, including a son in his old age. Despite the circumstances, Abraham’s hope sustained him. His decision to choose to “believe anyway” was firmly grounded in the fact that God was able to do the impossible (Matthew 19:26).

Are you experiencing ‘a famine of hope’ like so many others today? If so, put your hope in the God of Abraham and be encouraged. I know from experience that hope in God and in Christ will not disappoint but sustains and encourages like no other. For more on hope, see www.lifeofhope.online.