Google defines hope as a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen, a person or thing that may hope or save someone, grounds for believing that something good may happen, or a feeling of trust. When I read the definition, every bit of what I love and believe about God tells me that He epitomizes this definition, and I’ll go as far as to say that it points to Him as the author.

Paul writes in Romans 5:3-5:

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

I could write a book just on these three verses as they are packed full of wisdom and a deep love for the follower of Christ. I have had many seasons in my life where I’ve walked through this text. Some seasons lasted longer than others, and all were met with their own measure of pain, but not until my early thirties did I realize how much love pours from hope! 

After months of praying, reading the word, and begging God for some sort of response, a breakthrough came.  After seventy-two hours of sleeplessness, I reached the lowest point I had been in a long time.  I was desperate for help and realized I could no longer live life independent of God. Through His word, God spoke to my soul, “I am strong for you, and I will meet all your needs.” (from Philippians and 2 Corinthians) 

God gave me hope from the least expected method: discipline.  I am grateful that God loves me enough to allow me to go through a Romans 5 season. He does this because He loves, and His love gives me unmatchable hope!

God is always in front of me, now matter how deep the depression or dark the night.  Even more, because of His love and the work of Christ on the cross, the hope of God is IN me. I am loved and that love seals my hope!