Hope in the present time

Easter is just over one week away. I am joyfully anticipating this time of celebration. I am looking forward to the party. It's going to be a great time. God's Word tell us: For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. Romans 6:4

Because he lives we have eternal life and we have hope. Yet, many of us are not as hopeful as we were last Easter. It has been a difficult year and many of us may be looking towards the future with doom and gloom. Maybe you are feeling like the resurrection is not enough. Maybe you are thinking: "Sure the resurrection is great. I am glad I have the promise of eternal life, but what about the here and the now."

Here are some thoughts from the Scriptures about building hope in the present time:

1) Put God first, above every other priority. When we put him first, he will take care of the rest. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

2) Ask him. He is in the business of answering our prayers. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-8

3) Believe in Him. Believe that in Jesus we have more than enough. Jesus says, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty." John 6:35

4) Know that there is scarcity when it comes to the treasures of this this world, but there is an abundance when it comes to the treasures of heaven. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 and "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21

5) Learn from others. The Bible shares many stories of people who in difficult situations put their trust in God and saw him come through. Think about David (going up against Goliath), Elijah (faced persecution and famine), Daniel (feed to the lions), the Apostle Paul (arrested and shipwrecked).

6) Be in the business of giving hope. Turn the table on the devil. Don't let him get a foothold. Even if you are personally feeling down, commit to bringing a little bit of light into someone else's life. When you do so, you will discover that God will work in amazing ways to provide the hope and everything else you need. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4