Revisiting a Message of Hope
Often, we expect a message of hope to carry the tone of inspiration, encouragement, or something that brings positivity to the present, rather than the future. Personally, I believe a message of hope should go beyond this narrative. No doubt, a message of hope cultivates resilience in tough and challenging situations.
What is the biblical message of hope? It should revolve around God’s promises in challenging times, particularly His faithfulness and His plan of redemption through Jesus Christ. Therefore, it extends to both our present circumstances and the promise of eternal life.
Psalm 42:5 states, “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.”
Hence, I would like to suggest that “a message of hope is especially needed when someone is struggling.” Genuine hope can only be generated when a child of God is willing to turn their focus away from their struggles and look to God, the Creator. Authentic hope cultivates trust in the Living God.
However, I do admit that many people struggle with a theological understanding of hope. We need to understand that having hope in God does not mean expecting immediate success or resolution. Biblical hope reminds us to remain hopeful in God, for He who cares for and loves us.
Does hope matter to Christians? Yes, it is a calling from God to His children to participate in His work of bringing the good news to the world. As I write this reflection, we are at the start of a 40-day prayer for this nation, Singapore. Do we still believe God is at work in Singapore? Do we still hope in God that He will bless this little red dot?
A theologian named Jurgen Moltmann reminded Christians that Christianity’s hope is not about seeking a non-problematic world, but about helping Christians worldwide engage with the challenges of this world. Christianity’s hope expects that troubles will continue to occur, but God’s promises and His Word shall prevail. This hope brings comfort and peace to the minds of God’s people.
Jeremiah 29:11 states, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”
Brothers and Sisters,
Hope does not mean that troubles will lessen. Hope does not mean it will always give us good feelings. Biblical hope is not meant to be temporary. Biblical hope tells us to endure and persevere. It encourages us not to focus on this world but to remain faithful in our daily walk with the Father because He cares for us. He understands us because He loves us.
Remember:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
重温盼望的信息
很多时候，我们期望盼望的信息带有启发，鼓励；与其是未来，是给现今带来正能量的。对我来说，盼望的信息应该在超越这个概念。不可否认的是，盼望的信息给艰难和具有挑战的情况竖立坚韧的信念。
圣经的盼望信息是什么？它是应该环绕神在艰难时期的应许，尤其是祂的信实和透过耶稣的救赎计划。因此，它是包括我们现今的状况，和祂所应许我们的永恒的生命。
诗篇 42:5说道：“我的心哪，你为何忧闷？为何在我里面烦躁？应当仰望神，我还要称谢他，我当面的拯救。”
因此，我认为“盼望的信息是特别需要在当有人处于挣扎的时候”。真正的盼望只有实践在当神的儿女愿意把焦点转离他们的挣扎，注目在神，我们的创造主。真正的盼望把信任建立在永活的主。
但是，我承认有许多人会挣扎于盼望的神学理解。我们需要明白在神有盼望不代表期盼有立即的成就或方案。圣经的盼望提醒我们继续在神里面持续有盼望，在于眷顾和爱我们的神。
盼望和基督徒有关系吗？有的，它是来自神对祂儿女的呼召，去参与祂的事工，把好消息带给全世界。当我写着这个反思时，我们处于40天为国家（新加坡）祷告的开始。我们是否相信神还在新加坡动工？我们是否还盼望神会赐福于这个小红点？
有一位神学家，于尔根·莫特曼提醒信徒们：基督教的盼望不在于追求一个没有瑕疵的世界，而是帮助全世界的信徒们面对这个世界的挑战。基督教的盼望有预计困难会继续发生，但是神的应许和祂的话语会一直得胜。这个盼望带来安慰和平安进入神的子民的心中。
耶利米书 29:1说道：“我知道我向你们所怀的意念是赐平安的意念，不是降灾祸的意念，要叫你们末后有指望。这是耶和华说的。”
弟兄姐妹们，
盼望不代表问题会减少，也不是时常都会带给我们好感的。圣经里的盼望不是暂时的，而是告诉我们要·忍耐并坚持。它鼓励我们不专注于这个世界，而是忠心于我们与天父每一天的脚步，因为天父眷顾我们。祂明白我们并爱我们。
记得：
当转眼仰望耶穌
定睛在祂奇妙慈容
在救主荣耀恩典大光中
世上事必然显为虛空
郭进兴牧师