Tag Archives: Knowing God

The Knowledge of God: Grow in the Knowledge of God, Part 2

January 31, 2024 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Keep on growing.

Why should we care about knowing God? As we stated earlier in this series, knowledge of God accomplishes three things in our life as believers: (1) it establishes the moral authority and inspiration in our life, (2) it results in purposeful living, and (3) it enlightens us as to what God has given to us.

More importantly, knowledge of God puts us in position to experience the fullness of God in our lives (Eph. 3:19). It is found in experiencing a loving and secure relationship that is not dependent on our acceptability but is based on God’s grace and mercy.

This relationship will prepare us for whatever comes our way. With this knowledge, we will be able to not only persevere during difficult times, but also do it with joy, peace, and hope (Rom. 15:13).

What impacts our ability to grow?

There are many factors that impact our desire to grow in the knowledge of God, but I will share what I’ve heard as reasons.

Some individuals simply do not desire to learn about and experience God. They have chosen other means to address their “spiritual curiosity”. Their faith walk is more of a spiritual expedition than a personal connection.

Others feel that to learn more will require too much in the way of commitment. Growing in knowledge takes time and effort. While they acknowledge regular devotional practices like prayer, scripture study, and reflection cultivate a deeper understanding of God, they feel their time is better spent elsewhere. Their faith walk will often lack the vitality they desire because it requires a personal commitment.

What does growth feel like?

While pursuing the knowledge of God may involve connection and commitment, the driving force behind it is relationship. If we want to know…be familiar with…understand how someone is, we spend time with them. How do we spend our time with God? How much time do we spend with Him? Is it a quick “snatch-a-verse”, punctuated with an even quicker prayer? God said, “Draw near to me and I will draw near to you.” (James 4:8)

The writers of Psalms provide wonderful models for what relationship feels like. In Psalms 91:1, the writer declares that the person who “dwells in the secret place of the Most HIGH will abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Abide means to lodge, stop over, pass the night, or remain.

King David exclaimed in Psalms 27:4, that of all that he possessed, one thing he desired and would seek after (seek after) and that was to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of his life to behold the beauty of the LORD (NLT, delighting in the LORD’s perfections and meditating in His Temple). To dwell imagines one who remains or “sits down in quiet”.

Last, but not least, is my favorite verse, Psalms 42:1-2. “As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. I thirst for God, the Living God.” Long is translated in the King James Version as pants, meaning to long for or to cry.

Do we desire to abide and dwell with God? Do we pant for God? These are just a taste of what knowledge of God offers.

How do we grow?

We grow by reading and meditating on His Word. It is God’s Word that transforms our hearts and minds. As we read God’s Word, which is alive and active (Heb. 4:12), our minds are renewed (Rom. 12:2). This renewal causes us to be receptive and obedient to the things of God. What God began at the moment of our salvation, God WILL PRODUCE in us (Phil. 1:6).

We grow through cultivating an active and robust prayer life. Active and robust infers intentionality and priority. Time should not be an issue when we pray. It is prayer that will shift both our circumstances and shift us! Our will, our perspective, and our desires (Ezek. 36:27).

The key to remember in embracing the different spiritual disciplines is to remember that the intent of the disciplines is to draw us closer to God. That we may know Him (Phil. 3:7-10)! We practice spiritual disciplines not out of legalism but out of gratitude for the grace that has saved us. They are “habits of devotion” and a means of intimacy.

It is God’s will that we may know Him—up close and personal. Because of Jesus, we now have an incredible opportunity to experience His presence, and His extraordinary love. Who would turn that opportunity down? Not me!

The Knowledge of God: Grow in the Knowledge of God, Part 1

January 23, 2024 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Knowledge of God Recapped

To know or knowledge (yada) in the Old Testament means to: (1) know by observing and reflecting (thinking) and (2) to know by experiencing and being acquainted with. Yada represents both the intellectual and experiential side of knowing.

In the New Testament this same thought is continued with the Greek words, ginosko and oida, which recognizes an increase in knowing or knowledge. The word epiginosko (epi, “upon”) expands knowing to full knowledge through a special participation and uniting with the object (Col. 1:6). This is the experiential side of knowledge.

Knowledge of God accomplishes three things in our life as believers: (1) it establishes the moral authority and inspiration in our life, (2) it results in purposeful living, and (3) it enlightens us as to what God has given to us.

Knowing God and knowledge of God are both part of the same coin. Our knowledge of God paves the way to knowing God AND knowing God creates a desire to increase our knowledge of Him.

Peter’s blessing

In Peter’s second letter to God’s elect, he expressed concern about false teachers in their cities. He opened with a special blessing that would offer both favor and protection against the error being communicated at that time. Peter prayed that grace and peace would increase abundantly to meet the challenges they faced. How? By continuing to grow in the knowledge of God AND Jesus their Lord (2 Pet. 1:2, NKJV).

Like the elect receiving Peter’s letter, we too are surrounded by false teachers. I use this term more generally to describe those who perpetrate disinformation and misinformation. Their sole purpose is to create false narratives, perpetuate divisiveness, and seed dissension for gain. Social media continues to invade our thoughts resulting in unhealthy influences, high anxiety, and fear. AI with its many benefits also brings new threats of abuse and misuse.

Peter contends that through knowledge of God, we have everything we need for living godly and prosperous lives. This knowledge is made available to us through God’s Word (Psa. 19:7-9) and through His Holy Spirit. In addition to God’s “exceeding and great promises”, we are also partakers of His “divine nature” (2 Pet. 1:3-4).

Even in the direst of circumstances, we must remember and declare that we have the victory through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior (Rom. 8:35,37; John 16:33). Our knowledge of God is the filter through which we respond to 21^st century challenges and live triumphantly even in a fallen world (2 Cor. 4:14-18). Next week we will detail how we can grow in our knowledge of God.

Closing Reflection

Truth time. Do we want to come to a knowledge of God? Do we want to increase our knowledge of Him? Or are we satisfied with what we know today?

A.W. Tozer in his book, “The Dangers of a Shallow Faith,” shares his observation of the modern Church in their search for things of “this world” rather than knowing God. After reading this short excerpt, let’s ask ourselves, “what are we seeking as a substitute for the knowledge of God?”

The Early Church was in wonderment at Christ. He dazzled them and stirred within such feelings of amazement that they could never get over Christ. All they talked about was Christ. All they thought about, from morning to night, was Christ. Christ was their only reason for living, and they were more than willing to die for Him. Now we looked to celebrity to dazzle us. For some reason we assume that carnal entertainment is the appropriate replacement for the sanctified adoration of the Most High. No cheap thrill can ever replace the ecstatic joy of knowing Jesus Christ.

Knowing God

The Knowledge of God: Grace and Peace in the Knowledge of God

January 17, 2024 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Knowledge of God.

In his second letter to God’s elect scattered throughout what is now modern Turkey, the Apostle Peter expressed his concern about false teachers. The area in which these Christians lived was a hotbed for philosophies and teachings that challenged their belief in Jesus. Are these concerns still a threat in 2024?

Peter opens his letter with a special blessing, “Grace and peace be multiplied to you through the knowledge of God and Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 1:2, NKJV). He knew that knowledge of God was key to truth and protection against error—whether it be religious or secular. And it still is!

What is it?

To know or knowledge in Old Testament Hebrew has a wider meaning than in our English language. To know is not to be intellectually informed, but to experience it as part of one’s reality. Divine-human relationships are often expressed in this term. The Lord knew Moses “by name.” (Exod. 33:11, 12, 17)

In the New Testament, the thought continues that knowing God is not simply an intellectual exercise. The difference lies in the fact that knowing God is a response of faith and acceptance of Christ (John 14:7; 17:3)

There is more to be said about the difference between knowing God and having a knowledge of God.

Knowing or Knowledge: What’s the Difference?

The difference between knowing God and knowledge of God is a subtle but deeply important one, touching on the very nature of faith and belief.

- Knowledge of God refers to intellectual understanding and information about God. It can come from studying religious texts, attending sermons, learning about different doctrines and philosophies. You might possess a vast amount of information about God’s attributes, actions, and teachings.

- Knowing God goes beyond mere intellectual knowledge. It’s about a personal relationship and experiential understanding of God. It’s about encountering God in your life, feeling his presence, and having a sense of connection with him. This isn’t achieved solely through information but through practices like prayer, meditation, and living a life guided by faith.

Consider this analogy:

- Knowing about a tree: You might know its species, leaf shape, and how it photosynthesizes. You could even recite poems about trees.
- Knowing a tree: You’ve spent time under its shade, climbed its branches, felt the wind in its leaves. You have a personal connection and understanding beyond textbook knowledge.

Similarly, knowledge of God is like the textbook, while knowing God is like experiencing the tree itself.

Knowing or Knowledge: Which is better?

So, is knowing God better than having a knowledge of God? For me, both are part of the same coin. Each is important in developing a complete and personal reality of God in our life.

Our knowledge of God paves the way to knowing God.

Knowing God creates a deep desire to increase our knowledge of Him.

That being the case, we will continue our study to know more. I leave you with several insights from other notables of the faith who continue their pursuit of the knowledge of God.

“May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord” (2 Pet. 1:2, NLT)

The Christian is strong or weak depending upon how closely he has cultivated the knowledge of God. A.W. Tozer

Intimate knowledge of God is possible if we habitually search His Holy Scriptures and translate what we find into obedience. George Mueller

Too many Christians are fighting graduate school sins with grammar school knowledge of God. John Piper

How can we turn our knowledge about God into knowledge of God? The rule for doing this is simple but demanding. It is that we turn each truth that we learn about God into a matter for meditation before God, leading to prayer, and praise to God. J.I. Packer

Knowing God

The Knowledge of God: Begin with the Basics

January 10, 2024 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Learning from our experiences

In last week’s teaching on “Lessons Learned in 2023”, I shared those things I will take with me as I moved forward into 2024. The “egg” I will carry includes spiritual growth, eternity, and finally, my knowledge of God. It is in this last area that I’d like to begin a new series, “The Knowledge of God”.

Knowledge of God has always been one of the foundational tenets that forms the framework for our teachings and programs that support our mission of “Transforming lives through teaching God’s Word.” The other tenets include knowing our identity in Christ (Gal. 2:20) and in remembering that our citizenship is in heaven (Phil. 3:20). We are part of the Kingdom of God.

Why is knowledge of God important?

Our knowledge of God…

- Establishes the moral authority and inspiration in our life. We look to God to provide us with truth needed to guide us in this fallen world. God gives us peace, joy, and hope needed during troubling and uncertain times. He is our strength and deliverance (Ps. 18:1-3).

- Results in purposeful living. We are God’s workmanship, created to do good works which He identified at the foundations of the world (Eph. 2:10). To live out the purpose God has for our life, it is critical that we are obedient to God’s directions. Living purposefully, the goal is spiritual maturity and ultimately, conformity to the image of Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:29).

- Enlightens us as to what God has given to us. As believers, we have everything we need to live godly in this world (2 Pet. 1:3). First and most importantly, we have eternal life. In addition, as children of God, we have access not only to Father God, but also to all the blessings and promises that go with this special relationship (Eph. 1:3-14).

All these things and much more are ours today. But it requires correct knowledge and understanding of who God is—His goodness and His greatness.

The journey begins.

The rise of humanism in our world, has caused man, incorrectly, to believe he is the most important and knowledgeable creature on the earth.

Humanism primarily focuses on human flourishing in the present world, emphasizing social progress, ethical living, and addressing immediate concerns. This may not automatically lead to a focus on knowledge of God unless individuals actively seek to connect those values with their spirituality.

In his groundbreaking work of faith, Your God is Too Small, J.B. Phillips encourages Christians to redefine their understanding of who God is. Phillips explains that the trouble facing many of us today is that we have not found God big enough for our modern needs.

Many women and men are living, often with inner dissatisfaction, without any faith in God at all. This is not because they are particularly wicked or selfish or, as the old fashioned would say, godless, but because they have not found with their adult minds a God big enough to account for life, big enough to fit in with the new scientific age, big enough to command their highest admiration and respect, and consequently they’re cooperation.[1]

We invite you to join us as we expand our knowledge of God. Let’s learn how God is “big enough” to meet us where we are today, even amid the complexities of 21^st century living.

[1] Your God is Too Small, J. B. Phillips

Advent/Christmas

Preparing for 2024: God Goes Before Us

December 26, 2023 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

New Year anxieties

In choosing our year-end WordBytes, it was amazing how quickly the teaching for today came to my attention.

This WordBytes was written in 2019, as we entered the world of COVID. At that time, we had no idea that our lives would be forever changed. The world as we knew would never be the same.

This WordBytes was also written to address the anxiety we typically experience as we begin planning for the new year.

Are we ready for 2024?

In our text today, Moses is preparing the Israelites for the changes that lie ahead as they prepare to enter the Promise Land with 2+million people. Just imagine the heightened anxiety and fear of the people. But Moses shares with them a promise they could “hang their hat on”. God will go before them!

It’s been said, “Hindsight is 20/20.” As we look back over the past year with new COVID variants, political division, wars around the world, and more, we might ask this question, “Is God still going before us?”

Assess where we are.

Take a moment and think about how God has intervened on your behalf during this past year. It’s true that we have experienced many hardships this year. However, regardless of them, we are now planning for a “new year”.

Do you want to know why? Because God still (even in the 21^st century) goes before us. Whatever circumstance we may face in 2024, know that God is more than able to sustain you through it. I pray that today’s WordBytes will increase your confidence and trust in the Lord. Have a blessed and happy new year.

God Goes Before Us

Advent/Christmas

Advent Revisited: A Psalm for Advent

December 12, 2023 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

A Time to remember

One of the things I love to do during the holiday season is to find a quiet place in the house and reminisce on how my family prepared for Christmas. After Thanksgiving, we would receive the “Sears and Roebuck” Christmas catalog. We called it “the dream book.” Now Christmas displays begin to appear before Halloween.

As believers, we have the liturgical calendar to help us “mark” the different aspects of this most holy season. It begins with Advent and the practice of waiting. It culminates with Christmas, a time of celebrating the arrival of our Savior, Jesus the Christ.

This Advent, I invite you to join us as we reminisce and revisit Advents of the past through our WordBytes devotion. We have chosen three (3) of our most popular Advent WordBytes from past years. We hope they will fill your hearts with hope, peace, joy, and love.

“A PSALM FOR ADVENT”

Knowing God

God’s Large Place

December 6, 2023 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Good morning to you!

Have you ever awakened in the morning and instantly felt overwhelmed by the day? I mean, have you been totally immobilized so that you’re unable to get out of bed?

We can be sure that it is Satan’s effort to get us off God’s plan and purpose for our lives. Of course, our flesh also plays a part in this conspiracy. It is in the morning that the battle for our mind and our spirit begins.

This is the time to connect with the Holy Spirit and the truth found in God’s Word. This is the moment we can declare, “This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psa. 118:24).

This is the day…

Each day begins with our perception of what lies ahead for us. Our calendar and day timer contains our commitments. Our mental and physical state impacts how we receive each new day. We are mentally challenged with fears, anxiety, depression, attention deficit, even our negative talk. We may physically “not feel good”. Seasonal ailments, chronic pain and disease make “jumping out of bed” a real chore. Getting up in the morning is a complex endeavor.

Read, “Monday Morning Cup” , with Lisa Boone-Reddick

But mornings are simply “a period of time which occurs between sunrise and noon”. The bigger issue is our ability to manage the stresses, complexities, and demands that arise during our days (and nights). The challenge is knowing how to successfully navigate the realities of living during these tumultuous and demanding times.

What would happen if we changed our perception of how we operate each day? How much better would our lives be if we acknowledged the real source of release and contentment? King David gives us the answer in Psalm 118.

The view from the other side

Psalm 118 is an excellent source of encouragement when we are perplexed with the struggles we face in our lives. King David probably penned this psalm after he had weathered the battles and challenges to gain full possession of the kingdom to which he had been anointed (1 Sam. 16:13).

In Psalm 118, David acknowledges the struggles but more importantly he witnesses to the presence and favor of God in the midst of those struggles. David begins and ends this psalm (vv. 1, 29) with praise and recognition of how Israel had made it through its most challenging days. David’s psalm was a call for all to remember God’s presence, God’s protection, and God’s provision. It was a time to give thanks for God’s goodness and His mercy.

Oh, give thanks unto the Lord,

for He is good, and

His mercy (lovingkindness) endures forever.

God granted David gracious favor in his distress. Matthew Henry describes this favor as “vouchsafe”.

God heard his prayer (v. 5): “He answered me with enlargements; he did more for me than I was able to ask; he enlarged my heart in prayer and yet gave more largely than I desired.” He answered me, and set me in a large place, where I had room to bestir myself, room to enjoy myself, and room to thrive; and the large place was the more comfortable because he was brought to it out of distress (Ps. 4:1). [1]

Getting to God’s large place

David’s view “from the other side” (of his rise to power) was the result of his personal relationship and experience with God. David remembered God’s faithfulness. He trusted God (vv. 8-9). This strengthened his belief that God would always be there (vv. 6-7; 17-18). David’s experience of God’s large place would prepare him for what lay ahead as he ruled the great nation of Israel.

We too can enter God’s large place through prayer and receiving His engrafted Word (James 1:21). We are invited to be intentional in recognizing and accepting God’s providence in our lives. Whether good or bad, morning or evening, God is always present to see us safely to the other side. God’s large place can be a place of victory, growth, and freedom. Let us declare, like David: Oh, give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good, and His mercy endures forever.

[1] Matthew Henry Commentary, Psalm 118.

Spiritual Maturity

Keep Hope Alive: True Hope

November 21, 2023 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Hope and faith

In our first teaching on hope, we shared that hope is included as one of the three theological virtues mentioned in Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth. “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three.” (1 Cor. 13:13, KJV). Our faith becomes a key ingredient with hope and love to offer us peace, guidance, and unwavering hope. It provides us strength and solace in time of uncertainty. This is true not because we are “optimistic”, but we believe that God is truly in control regardless of the circumstances we face.

Paul admonished the young Christian converts of Thessalonica (as he does for us today) to arm themselves with these key virtues that will withstand dangers, toils, and strife they might face in this fallen world. Paul wanted to help believers look not only to their present situation but also to their secure future in eternity.

But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation. (1 Thess. 5:8, NLT)

The Apostle Peter shared this same message to God’s elect that had been scattered because of persecution. He encouraged them to persevere in a “lively hope” because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. (1 Peter 1:3). He told them: “Gird up the loins of your mind and rest your hope fully upon the GRACE that is revealed at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1 Pet. 1:13). That “revelation” came and still comes through the Holy Spirit.

Hope and the Holy Spirit

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace In believing (as you trust in Him) that you may abound (overflow) in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Rom. 15:13)

This verse is a benedictory prayer. A benedictory prayer is a short blessing given at the conclusion of public worship. Paul begins by recognizing and acknowledging God as the true source of hope. He then adds that his readers will be filled with joy and peace. Joy relates to the delight of anticipation and seeing one’s hopes fulfilled. Peace results from the assurance that God will fulfill those hopes. As a result, believers overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. The achievement of all God’s purposes for his children come from the power given by the Spirit of God.

The Holy Spirit instills hope in believers by:

1. Reassurance of God’s Love: The Holy Spirit pours God’s love into the hearts of believers, providing a steadfast foundation for hope. This love is unconditional and everlasting, providing security and assurance even in the face of trials and tribulations. (Rom. 5:5)

1. Guiding and Strengthening Faith: The Holy Spirit strengthens believers’ faith, enabling them to trust in God’s promises and plans. This faith is the source of hope, as it allows believers to anticipate God’s goodness and believe in the fulfillment of His promises. (Heb. 11:1)

1. Empowering for Perseverance: The Holy Spirit empowers believers with resilience and perseverance, enabling them to endure challenges and maintain hope amid difficulties. This empowerment allows believers to overcome obstacles and keep moving forward towards God’s purpose. (Gal.5:22-23)

1. Revealing God’s Plan: The Holy Spirit unveils God’s plan and purpose for believers’ lives, providing a clear direction and motivation for hope. This understanding of God’s plan instills hope for the future, as believers see how their present struggles fit into God’s overarching design. (Eph. 1:17-18)

1. Interceding in prayer: The Holy Spirit intercedes for believers in prayer, expressing their deepest yearnings and hopes to God. This intercession ensures that believers hopes are aligned with God’s will and that their prayers are heard and answered. (Rom. 8: 26-27).

The Holy Spirit serves as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path forward and guiding believers toward the fulfillment of God’s promises. Hope, anchored in the Holy Spirit’s presence, becomes a source of strength, resilience, and unwavering faith, enabling believers to navigate the challenges of life with confidence and anticipation of God’s goodness.

Real Hope

For hope to be real in our life, it is important that we are intentional in claiming that which Christ has obtained for us through His sacrificial death and powerful resurrection. We know that as believers in Christ we live continually in the presence of God who is the great I AM. It is God who provides us with what we need for the challenges we face (Isa. 43:2). Want to keep hope alive? Believe in God!

Spiritual Endurance

Keep Hope Alive: The God of Hope

November 14, 2023 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

How do we describe hope?

Do we use common metaphors for hope to encourage others to believe “there’s a path to good” even in bad times? Here are a few we might have used.

“There’s light at the end of the tunnel.”
“Every cloud has a silver lining.”
“The sun is peeking through the clouds.”
“Hope is an eternal flame.”

But let’s be honest, when we’re at the “end of our rope” and the “bottom of our world has fallen out”, metaphors about hope will not help us “keep hope alive”. We are looking for something that will ease our troubled souls right now! We need real hope.

What have we learned about hope?

In our study thus far, we have described hope as a combination of desire for something AND the expectation of receiving it. And why is hope important? Because it encourages us to persevere and continue moving forward. We all agree that hope is what is needed as we navigate through the challenges of life in the 21^st century.

But hope has ALWAYS been something we humans have needed whether in ancient times or modern days. Man’s ability to survive and thrive has been dependent on hope. The challenge, however, continues to be our ability to identify the BEST SOURCE of HOPE.

Man’s hope

Man’s hope comes from a variety of sources that, when combined and strengthened, provide a foundation for optimism, resilience, and the pursuit of a meaningful and fulfilling life. These include the following which we most commonly use.

Relationships and connections: human connections and strong relationships provide a sense of belonging, support, and love, fostering hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

Personal strengths and abilities: recognizing and utilizing one’s strengths and abilities instills confidence and a sense of empowerment, nurturing hope for achieving goals and overcoming challenges.

Meaning and purpose: finding meaning and purpose in life, whether personal interest, family, community, or spiritual beliefs, provides a sense of direction and motivation, fueling hope for our fulfillment and meaningful existence.

Spiritual beliefs and faith: for many, spiritual beliefs and faith in a higher power offers a sense of peace, guidance, and unwavering hope, providing strength and solace in time of uncertainty.[1]

For we who are followers of Christ, that Higher Power is the Most High God (Psa. 7:17).

The God of Hope

The writer of Psalm 42 recounts their hopelessness and frustration as they, like us, handle times of distress and sorrow. In verses 5, 11, and Psalm 43:5, they ask themselves this question.

Why art thou cast down O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? (NKJV)

Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? (NLT)

We are “cast down” because the things we have tried to do in our human strength is failing to impact our fears. We are “discouraged and sad” because when we look around there is “no light at the end of the tunnel” nor is the “sun peeking through the clouds.”

The reality we must come to grips with is that we live in a fallen world, where sin will continue to manifest itself in the brokenness and pain we see today. Injustice, wars, corruption, and much more. BUT THERE IS HOPE. True hope is not dependent on our circumstances nor on the world situation. True hope results in “peace that passes all understanding: (Eph. 4:7), “unspeakable joy” (1 Pet. 1:8), and “salvation from all danger” (Psa. 18:2).

The Psalmist concludes that the answer to his state of distress and hopelessness can be found in God.

HOPE thou in God…who is the health of my countenance. (NKJV)

I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again. My Savior and my God. (NLT)

Our hope is built on the faithfulness and dependability of God. We rely on the fidelity of God. God is true, truthful, and trustworthy. His Word and His promises provide the “blessed assurance” we need to not only survive but also thrive in this world. He is our sufficiency (2 Cor. 3:5).

How can we cultivate our hope while living in this fallen world during the 21^st century? We must recognize and acknowledge that God alone is the true source of our hope and salvation (Psa. 62:5-12). Next week, we’ll conclude our study on hope by sharing the role of the Holy Spirit in keeping hope alive.

[1] Google search

Spiritual Endurance

Keep Hope Alive: The Anatomy of Hope

November 7, 2023 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

The Anatomy of Hope

What does hope look like? What is its structure, composition, or framework? What is hope made of?

Hope is a combination of desire for something AND the expectation of receiving it. I’m not talking about “Christmas wishful thinking” but hope that encourages us to embrace the belief that better days are possible. Hope motivates us to preserve and continue moving forward.

We chose to create this series on hope because hope is what the world needs most right now. When we began the series in October, there was no war between Israel and Palestine. With regards to mass shootings in America, as of October 31, a total of 621 people have been killed and 2,126 other people have been injured in 520 shootings. Political divisiveness worsens polarizing communities, leaders, and even families. Can hope be kept alive?

What does hope look like?

Is it any wonder that the majority of U.S. adults agree the nations’ future looks bleak?

A majority of adults (62%) disagree with the statement, “our children are going to inherit a better world than we did,” and 63% disagree with the statement, “I feel our country is on the path to being stronger than ever.” More than 3/4 of adults (76%) said that the future of our nation is a significant source of stress in their lives, while 68% said this is the lowest point in our nation’s history that we can remember.

Two in three adults (66%) said the culture’s current political climate is a significant source of stress in their lives. Further, three in five adults quote (60%) said that the current social divisiveness in the nation causes them stress. Slightly more than three in five adults 62% reported that the racial climate in the US is a significant source of stress in their lives.[1]

Are these sources of stress going to go away? Absolutely not! And these stressors are larger than us and out of our control. In this environment, we are expected to manage the challenge of daily living and providing for our families–feeding, clothing, and housing. We search out ways to balance the stresses of life while maintaining healthy relationships, and personal “sanity”. There enters the need to cultivate our hope because when we cease to hope, we jeopardize our future.

Faith or hope?

How does our faith work with hope? Can both occupy the same space? In my reading, I came across a statement that helped me better understand the relationship between the two. “While faith is a function of the intellect, hope is an act of the will.” [2] In other words, what we know about God—His goodness, His greatness, and His promises—should cause us to confidently believe God. Hope moves us forward as we act on our faith in God (Heb. 11:1).

Hope allows us to look beyond what we can see.

Abraham, the Father of Nations, questioned when God would send him an heir, yet Abraham is known to “hope against hope” (Rom. 4:8). In other words, Abraham did not walk by sight but by faith in what God had promised him. His hope was built on the promises of God. Therefore, Abraham persevered.

The Apostle Paul’s faith in Christ (relational) and hope in Christ (motivational) kept him moving forward despite “beatings, in perils, in weariness, and in pain” (2 Cor. 11:23-27). Paul’s hope of glory moved Him through difficult times to eternity where he looked forward to the day when he would receive the crown of righteousness (2 Tim. 4:8). Therefore, Paul endured.

Hopelessness and true hope

True hope comes from the One who created hope: God. It comes by trusting God even when circumstances are difficult. I’ve heard many theologians and teachers disparage believers who struggle with hopelessness. While their intentions may be good, such belief discounts the fact that we are mere humans. We need hope, too. It’s important to remember that we are not perfect, simply saved. And that is more than enough.

Psalms captured this thought in several of its passages.

For He remembered that they were but flesh, A breath that passes away and does not come again. (Ps. 78:39, NKJV)

For He knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust. Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone as though we had never been here. (Ps. 104:14-16, NLT)

Unless we acknowledge the frailty and fragility of our flesh, we may fail to understand the need for God’s power and presence in our lives. We must embrace our dependency on God which will solidify our hope. Can hope be kept alive? Absolutely!

Trust produces obedience, which produces hope, which results in joy and peace; and that is the power of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 15:13). When we walk by faith and trust in God, we can persevere and endure. We have hope.

[1] Stress in America 2022, American Psychological Association.

[2]Wikipedia, Hope