A few days ago, I decided to postpone answering emails and sifting through reports and poured myself a big cup of coffee.  Stepping out onto my balcony, I watered a few potted herbs and plants and then settled down in a chair with my Bible and journal.  I had been sitting and resting in the Lord’s presence for a while when I looked over at one of my plants. My heart was overcome. The moon flower had grown radically over the past few days and I hadn’t really noticed. The seeds that I had planted a few months ago had not only grown but flourished.  This growth was logical, of course. I had (fairly) consistently watered and tended to the plant and the morning light was soft, preventing the plant from wilting. Still, though, I the beauty of the plant was stunning because it had been founded in hope that the plant would grow.

Hope is extraordinarily powerful because it allows opens doors of possibility.  When our hearts are full of hope the Holy Spirit can guide us into a space where we are able and free to dream with Him. A proactive and invested stance is assumed by our hearts as we begin to consider what situations or relationships could look like (Mk 4:30-32).  Shackles of fear, loss, and death fall to the ground as the opportunities for heaven to meet earth are revealed to us (1 Cor 15:54-58) (Micah 4:4). This then inspires and encourages our hearts to pray, and fast, and take practical steps in partnership with the Lord to see our hopes and dreams become reality.  By this, we walk in hope.

It is important here to consider cornerstone values of the Kingdom to walk in the fullness of hope.  First, the Lord is a good Father. His love is perfect and unending toward his children (1 Jon 4:18) (Ps 36:5) (Rom 8:15-16).  Second, the Lord delights in giving us the desires of our hearts and will not withhold good things from us (Ps 37:4) (Ps 84:11).  Third, there is not lack in the Kingdom; we need not fear shortage or want for He will surely meet our every need (Ps 34:10) (Philp 4:19) (Lk 12:24).  There are numerous other encouraging and edifying truths in scripture, but these are necessary to begin walking in hope.

And oh how powerful, and mighty it is when we do walk forward with hearts full of hope (Josh 10:35).  The anthem of our hearts is one of trust as our hearts overflow with faith. Even in the darkest of nights, this hope acts like a bright light (Job 11:18-19).  Every area of our lives is then illuminated by the soft and tireless rays of hope. We refuse to be influenced or deterred by circumstances or situations and seek for His love, peace, joy to pervade throughout our hearts.  As hope works to change our hearts, it also works to shift our perspective.

There is a hope, Dear Saints, that looks at seeds and sees a flourishing, thriving garden.  There is a hope, Dear Saints, that looks at dark areas of the heart and sees the completed and good work of righteousness.  There is a hope, Dear Saints, that looks at brokenness and sees perfect restoration. There is a hope, Dear Saints, that looks at a desolate and long forgotten nation and sees a prosperous metropolis of peace.  There is a hope, Dear Saints, that looks at the present and sees opportunity for dreams come true.

It is imperative that we walk with this hope, for it is only by walking with this hope that other will see our Magnificent Hope (1 Peter 1:3-6).