Hope is defined by Webster's:  "to cherish a desire with anticipation"

Too often, our use of hope is more like wish.  "I hope it doesn't rain tomorrow", or "I hope I get that promotion."

The Bible, depending on what translation you use, has over 120 mentions of the word hope.  The Bible's usage of hope is more of a strong anticipation of what will occur, and not the wishy-washy hope that we use today.

When I hear or read of hope, I have vivid memories of President Bill Clinton's 1992 Presidential campaign, where he often closed his speeches with "I still believe in a place called Hope."  Too many of us have lost hope, due to the economic struggles, job losses, foreclosures, visits from the repo man, illnesses, and the like.  We wish things were better, but we need to start hoping that things will get better.

I purposely have avoided the current U.S. Presidential campaign, because if I wanted to watch mud flying, I would visit a farm.  The rhetoric is not going to solve anything.  We the People have to stop wishing, and start hoping for the best.

I feel we have become prisoners of our lack of hope.  We're paralyzed by the evening newscasts, the doom and gloom of the markets (financial and jobs), and two income households still cannot meet the needs. Some say we are rapidly approaching a crisis situation.  I say we're already there.  People are mortgaged to the hills, and a layoff away from losing all their worldly possessions.  Healthcare costs continue (and will continue) to rise, so don't even think about getting sick.

Divorce rates continue to climb, and what used to be taboo is now accepted publicly, and highlighted on your nightly entertainment shows.  Bombastic presentation of court room dramas have taken over cable news channels, and the only word that comes to mind is nauseating.  

If you watch this crap, I highly recommend you stop.  You're not doing anything but killing all of the hope genes in your head.  Quit worshiping these fake Hollywoodesque people. Read a book.  Go for a walk.  Talk to your spouse / mate.  Hang out with your children, your friends, your family. You'll be a better person if you do. 

Note:  I'm not saying you should not enjoy well-made shows or movies.  I am saying don't make actor x your be all and end all.

Getting back to hope:  do I have hope?  

Yes, through the One that was sent, to provide salvation and hope for our souls.

While there are things, opportunities, toys, and other things that I would like to have, I don't hope to have them.  I wish to have them, but my hope is that I will one day be face to face with my Lord and savior, and He will say "Well done."  My hope and understanding is not that the "well done" will be based on my efforts, works, holding doors open for others, tithes and offerings, donations to the red kettle, but for trusting Him for all the provisions I need, and for those acts of kindness and generosity that I have never shared with anyone.

In 2012 and beyond, our hope must be with the one who was sent.

My hope and prayers are for you to know your savior, and to let the guidance of the Holy Spirit be in you and with you all of your days.

Blessings!
