If You Need Hope This Christmas

by Lois Flowers

This Christmas season, I’ve felt the thrill of hope in a very real way.

There’s a surge of something—I can’t quite describe it—that goes through me when I get a bit of good news or when the fog clears and the way ahead becomes more obvious. It’s not just emotional or mental; there’s almost a physical sensation attached to it.

When I feel the thrill of hope, my weary old self really does rejoice, just like the song says.

These days, as I try to savor the holidays while navigating some difficult challenges, the thought of hope is never far from my mind. I’ve been reminding myself that, as much as I desire a smooth path and encouraging answers, my ultimate hope doesn’t lie in a particular outcome, event or circumstance.

I don’t know what’s going on in your heart this holiday season, but perhaps you could use some reminding too.

Friends, our hope doesn’t come from a clean house, a regular routine or a completed to-do list. It’s in God, the One who steadies the pillars of the earth. (Psalm 75:3)

Our hope doesn’t come from antibiotics, antidepressants or medical insurance. It’s in God, the strength of our heart and our portion forever. (Psalm 73:26)

Our hope doesn’t come from a good sermon, a worshipful song or a meaningful devotional. It’s in the God who acts on behalf of the ones who wait for Him. (Isaiah 64:4)

Our hope doesn’t lie in more Twitter or Instagram followers, more Facebook friends or more blog subscribers. It’s in the God who lifts our heads and fulfills His purposes for us. (Psalm 3:3, Psalm 57:2)

Our hope doesn’t come from words of affirmation, offers of help or overtures of support. It’s in the God who goes before us and is with us, who will never leave us nor forsake us. (Deuteronomy 31:8)

Our hope is not met by a political party, election results or whoever lives in the White House. It’s in the King of heaven who lives forever and rules over the kingdom of men. (Daniel 4)

Our hope isn’t in the stock market, financial freedom or a holiday bonus. It’s in the God who supplies all our needs “according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

Our hope doesn’t come from perfectly fitting jeans, perfectly executed plans or perfectly behaved children. It’s in the God who works wonders and is near to all who call out to Him. (Psalm 77:14, Psalm 145:18)

Our hope isn’t in a healthy diet plan, a good night’s sleep or favorable  weather. It’s in the God who is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. (Proverbs 30:5)

Finally, especially at this time of year, our hope doesn’t come from Advent candles, festive decorations or happy family celebrations. It’s found in Christ alone, the One who is and forever will be our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father and Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

Friends, let’s rest in that hope—as we celebrate Christmas, and also as we turn the calendar page to a brand new year.

Lois

When I feel the thrill of hope, my weary old self really does rejoice, just like the song says. Click To Tweet

P.S. I’m linking up this week with Let’s Have CoffeePurposeful Faith, #TellHisStory, Faith on Fire, Faith ‘n Friends and Grace & Truth.

Leave a Comment

12 comments

Bethany December 21, 2018 - 8:55 am

Amen. May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit! Merry Christmas friend!

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Lois Flowers January 14, 2019 - 12:01 pm

Well, I’m a little late for Christmas but I hope your new year is off to a wonderful start, Bethany! Hugs to you!

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Lesley December 18, 2018 - 3:38 pm

Thank you for this beautiful reminder that real, lasting hope is not found in our circumstances or in particular outcomes, but in Jesus. The hope he offers is amazing and definitely a reason to rejoice, even in the midst of the challenges.

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Lois Flowers January 14, 2019 - 12:00 pm

You’re welcome, Lesley! Many blessings to you this new year, my friend!

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Trudy December 18, 2018 - 1:04 pm

Thank you for this beautiful encouragement of where our hope really lies, Lois. We can get bogged down with worry, but God still has all power over all. I need to be reminded of this again and again. Jesus is HOPE. I hope you have a joy-filled Christmas!

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Lois Flowers January 14, 2019 - 12:00 pm

Sorry to be so long in replying, Trudy. 🙂 Amen to this: “God still has power over all.” I need regular reminding of that too, my friend!

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Michele Morin December 18, 2018 - 7:21 am

As Chuck Colson used to say, “Salvation will not be coming on Air Force 1.”
And it won’t be showing up in a sleigh either.
Thank you for hope-filled words about the one and only Source of our “thrill of hope” and rejoicing in this weary world.

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Lois Flowers January 14, 2019 - 11:58 am

Hi Michele … My new slogan for responding to blog comments is “better late than never.” 🙂 You are so right … as the old hymn says, “Our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.” Hugs, friend!

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Linda Stoll December 18, 2018 - 6:41 am

Oh, Lois. What hopeful words, what words of truth. To see each and every one printed out in black and white is the stark reminder we need, especially when things aren’t going well … or in seasons like advent when everything comes crowding in.

You’re so right … our weary selves are most able to rejoice!

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Lois Flowers January 14, 2019 - 11:56 am

I’m glad you found hope in these words, Linda. I pray the rejoicing continues throughout 2019 for both of us!

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Laurie December 18, 2018 - 6:24 am

He is the source of all our hope. How true! Merry Christmas, Lois!

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Lois Flowers January 14, 2019 - 11:55 am

I hope you had a wonderful holiday season, Laurie! 🙂

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