We want hope to be in front of us so it eliminates any and all pain. We want hope to be beside us so we're never lonely. But this isn't how hope works.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
Psalm 23:6
Instead, hope follows us. It doesn't pave the way like some great big bulldozer. Instead, hope comes alone and comforts us after all hell has broken loose. If there was no pain, no fear, no loneliness, no disappointment, no bitterness, then hope wouldn't be the great big, beautiful thing it is.
And hope doesn't just follow us when life's good. Or even when it's bad. Hope follows all the days of our life. Hope doesn't give up on us. Hope doesn't leave us.
Yes, hope follows us. But for hope to follow us means that it's a person. Hope isn't a what, it's a who. Hope's not an it, it's someone.
So, for hope to follow, we have to know the person that brings us hope. Who follows us all the days of our life. It may be quiet for a while, but it's still there. Or should I say He's still there?
Don’t be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,” we can boldly quote, God is there, ready to help; I’m fearless no matter what. Who or what can get to me?
Hebrews 13:5 MSG
If you're looking for hope. If you need hope. Come to the one who loves you. Cares for you. Died for you. Wants to be with you now and forever.
Come to Jesus.