Paul - “We have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all of God’s people, which come from your confident hope of what God has reserved for you in heaven. You have had this expectation ever since you first heard the truth of the Good News.” (Colossians 1:4-5)
Who or what have you placed your hope in? Lots of people have put their hope in family members, friends, or in someone who can help them advance in their careers. Others have put their hope in their abilities, their wealth, or even their health. We should have some measure of hope in our resources and other people. But since they will only temporarily be with us, our biggest, ultimate hope must be in the Lord’s care for us and in what He has promised us for this life and the life to come. As we learned yesterday, “living by faith” and “loving other people” are big keys to a vibrant and victorious life. But we also must live hope-filled lives as well.
As Christians, we should have great hope regarding our lives here on earth. Some people believe that when someone becomes a Christian, they must leave behind life's fun aspects. But Jesus said in John 10:10, “My purpose is to give them (His people) a rich and satisfying life.” Christians should have more peace and joy than those around them because they have Jesus in their lives.
Also, as Christians, we should have great hope for the next life. This life will only last for a period of time, maybe 70-90 years. But our next life will be either eternal in heaven or hell. And since we will spend far more years in the next life than we do in this life, we need to prepare daily for life in Heaven. In heaven, we will be judged regarding the life we’ve lived here on earth (Romans 14:10, 2 Corinthians 5:10), which should motivate us to live godly lives. And in heaven, we will be given a new spiritual body, fulfilling assignments, and great opportunities. And best of all, we will spend lots of time with our Savior and loved ones in Heaven. All of that means is that we shouldn’t just live for today or even tomorrow. We should live daily with a focus on eternity - on what God has prepared for us in heaven.
Prayer - Lord, help me have a confident hope in what You have planned for me in this life and an even greater hope for what You have planned for me in heaven.
Reflection - In who or what have I been primarily putting my hope? And what steps can I take in the days ahead to put my hope in the Lord for this life and the next life?
