By Dr. Michael C. Carson, Columnist
“…but God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, So then, remember that at one time you gentiles by birth, called “the uncircumcision” by those who are called “the circumcision”—a circumcision made in the flesh by human hands—remember that you were at that time without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (Ephesians 2:4-6,11-13)
What is a life without hope? It’s a life devoid of expecting that something good is going to happen for you. It is a life with no “pregnant expectations” of a better day coming.
It’s a life of grieving and not feeling adequate enough to compete in life. Living without hope is like a child who cannot look at a situation believing something wonderful is about to happen.
A life without hope is one not excited about facing tomorrow because “tomorrow will be just like today.” Living without hope is believing you are not worthy of God’s favor. It’s living life feeling un-forgiven.
The hopeless life knows no race, socio-economic level, gender, age, religious affiliation, political party, or other demographic. Hopelessness knows no certain time of the day; it is an unwelcomed guest who never wants to leave.
Yes, some life experiences have attempted to silence the voice of our joy and put blinders on the eyes of our hope. But! God, who is rich in mercy, loves us so much that even when the effects of sin would try to destroy us, Jesus redeemed us. God’s grace is so awesome that in the midst of hopeless situations, we can still hope for a breakthrough. Even though some of our situations in life could be better, we know that in Christ, they are getting better.
Through Jesus Christ, we are encouraged–no compelled, no constrained, to never give up, to never throw in the towel, or to not cave under the weight of what appears to be lacking. Instead, in Christ, we are to continually look at what is there and see what can become. No matter the situation, “It’s not over until God says it’s over!”
Despite what is or is not going on in your life, remember: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen..” (Hebrews 11:1)
There is always hope; don’t give up. As the Rev. Congressman Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., proclaimed, “Keep the faith, baby!” I’m just saying!
Peace with justice, be blessed real, real good, attend worship (in whatever way possible for you), families matter, and be safe!
Contact Dr. Michael C. Carson at refreshingcoach@gmail.com.
