The God of Hope
by Jilly Lyon-Taylor
During January in the UK, the traditional greeting is “Happy New Year!” I have been thinking about this and wondering if this is the best way to greet people, and whether happiness is what we would wish for them above all else. Happiness is dependent on circumstances to make us feel good, whereas joy can be present even in the most desperate of situations. Today’s verse says: ‘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.’ What a wonderful prayer! Perhaps that would be a better greeting for the new year!
Hope seems to be the key here. Paul calls the Lord ‘The God of Hope’ in this verse. Hope is one of the things that sets us apart from the world, where so many people seem to be despairing, hopeless and fearful of the future, especially in the current pandemic. As Christians we can have hope in any and every situation when we trust in the God of hope. Hope in the Bible means assurance and certainty – not the vague sort of hope we speak of when we say, “I hope it won’t rain tomorrow!”
Hope in God brings assurance of so many promises – eternal life, provision, healing, comfort, guidance, relationship, love and acceptance, and so much more. As we trust in God for each of His promises, we will overflow with hope and be filled, not only with joy, but also with peace – the peace that passes human understanding (Philippians 4:7).
It is winter now in the UK. The days are short, and the weather can be grey and dull, but even now in my garden there are signs of spring. Bulbs are appearing through the frosty ground, bringing hope of beauty and colour to come. The God of hope has designed His creation to offer hope to us through the changing seasons, and this can be mirrored in our lives. Just as spring always follows winter in the natural world, so God is always wanting to bring new beginnings and seasons of growth and beauty into our lives. Be encouraged by the God of hope and let Him fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him!
Jilly Lyon-Taylor is part of the Leadership Team at Ellel Pierrepont. She worked in publishing and then with children in Hong Kong before concentrating on being a full-time mother and serving in the local church. Her desire to see people healed led her to the Luke Nine Eleven Training Scheme(NETS) at Pierrepont, and now she teaches and ministers there.
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