Hope Over Fear

The Tension: Hope vs. Fear

Fear and hope are intimately connected. As hope fades, fear grows. We see this reality in the disciples after the crucifixion: their hope was crushed, and fear had them locked in, even when news of the empty tomb arrived.

“We were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel.”

When Jesus stepped into the room, their fear was broken. When they saw the Lord, their hope returned, and they were full of cheer and rejoicing.

The Anchor: Five Truths About Biblical Hope

• 1. Hope Grows Faith

  Hope is connected to the future, and faith is about the present. Our hope in an eternal future with Jesus is the very substance that strengthens our faith for the here and now.

• 2. Biblical Hope is More Than Wishful Thinking

  We often confuse hope with wishful thinking, crossing our fingers for an outcome. Biblical hope is a secure assurance and an enduring trust placed in a trustworthy God who has already proven He will fulfill His claims.

• 3. Our Hope Is A Living Hope

  This hope is not in something that *might* happen, but in something that has already happened: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This living hope allows us to face difficulties with courage, trusting God’s promises will come to pass.

• 4. Focus on Hope for Faith Over Fear

  The key to getting faith over fear is to focus on our hope. Our hope is not in human hands—not in politics, a better economy, or doctors—but Jesus is our hope for forgiveness, our true identity, and eternity.

• 5. Confident Hope In Promises Fulfilled

  We have confidence because Jesus fulfilled over 300 prophecies in His first coming. This faithfulness guarantees our confident hope: just as Jesus came once as the Light, He will come again.

This Week's Challenge: Living in Advent Hope

• Cultivate Anticipation: Stir up a sense of anticipation in our hearts and homes.
• Ask for Hope: Take time in prayer to specifically ask the Lord for a hope that grows faith, for a biblical hope, for a living hope, for a faithful hope, and for a confident hope.
• Eagerly Wait: Live like someone who is eagerly waiting for something wonderful, taking rest in the hope that things will change because of God's faithful character.