“Christian hope is an optimistic assurance that something will be fulfilled…a guaranteed hope, not subject to change, anchored in our unchangeable Savior and Lord.” June HuntWhen I was a new believer we occasionally sang, “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.” I didn’t pay much attention to the words at that time. I would just put on my Sunday clothes, my Sunday smile, and sing the Sunday songs.
Don’t get me wrong, I genuinely loved Jesus, but I didn’t know Him very well yet. As a new believer my life was already so much better than before I knew God. I wasn't looking for a deeper relationship, but I hadn’t yet experienced disappointment. When I said things like, “all my hopes and dreams,” I said it as if the two words were synonymous. It’s only recently that the truth of this quote spoke to me and gave me a wake-up call. My desires—to published my book, to have happy grandchildren, to take a vacation in Oxford, England—are actually just dreams…not hopes. When I make them a hope, I set myself up for disappointment. And, when my 'mislabeled hopes' are not fulfilled, it gives me a reason to question God because I mistakenly think He has not been faithful. When I’m clear on what is a hope and what is a dream, I can rest assured that hopes will come to pass, while dreams are just my desires that may, or may not, be in God's will for my life. Hopes are based on God’s promises, on what I find in God’s Word: I am saved by faith: Ephesians 2:8-9; God hears my prayers: Jeremiah 29:12; My sins are forgiven: I John 1:9; He never gives me more challenges than I can handle: I Corinthians 10:13; I will have eternal life with Him: John 3:16, and so many more. Have you been disappointed that your hopes have not been realized? Are you confusing hopes and dreams? Which of your desires needs to be relabeled so your faith in God’s promises is not diminished? Lord, thank You for opening my eyes to the difference between hopes and dreams, so I can have confidence in my hopes and still have the freedom to dream. Amen “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:4 What are your thoughts? Libby Note: June Hunt (1944- ) is an American writer, psychologist and founder of Hope for the Heart Ministries which reaches international audiences with hopeful encouragement.
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WelcomeI love the wisdom of the ages gleaned from relevant quotes. In them there is a connection to the human experience that crosses all borders. Join me as I relate my personal experiences, and link the wisdom of the quote to the Source of all wisdom: God's Word, the Bible. Enjoy, Libby Categories
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