Hope vs. Despair: The Promise of Hope from Jesus Christ

The hallmarks of walking with Christ are joy, peace, and an assurance that we do not walk alone. We are taught in Phillipians that, “…the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” The adversary desperately wants to separate us from that which gives us comfort, instead leaving us with discouragement, sadness, and despair. As devout followers of Christ we are engaged in spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:12 explains it best, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

Unfortunately, many on this earth including some that profess a believe in Christ walk in defeat and discouraged by the rigors of this life. Were we expected to go this journey alone there would be real reason to become discourage, but rest assured we do not walk alone. Instead we comforted and asked to trust our Lord. We need to worry whether our might will be truly enough to defend against that which seeks to destroy us. We are given the example of David in the book of 1 Samuel, “All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands (17:47).” Our intimacy with the Lord and our ability to rely on his strength will see that we are victorious through Him. Our simple act of invoking the name of the Lord in our hours of need is a divine power and priveledge given to those that choose to walk closely with Him.

In Philippians 2:9-12 we are taught, “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Christ’s name is above every name to point where those that hear it should bow! The glory and majesty that is Christ name is further evidenced by verse 8 of 1 Peter, “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy…” We may be under attack, our minds may be under siege as the adversary seeks to undo what we have established with our Lord and Savior, but take solace and comfort in the fact that are afforded the protection and glory of God through Jesus Christ!