HopeHope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune–without the words,
And never stops at all,And sweetest in the gale is heard;
And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little bird
That kept so many warm.I’ve heard it in the chillest land,
And on the strangest sea;
Yet, never, in extremity,
It asked a crumb of me.– Emily Dickinson
As intriguing as Dickinson may be, nothing quite captures my hope better than the inspired writings of Peter:
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:3-5
If I were to wake up each day with my eyes fixed on the hope I have in Christ, I would be motivated to live my life much differently. I am not promised another breath on this earth – my life is merely a vapor (James 4:14). Every breath I take is a gift from God (James 1:17). Sometimes life on earth can feel pretty good…distracting me from my real home in heaven. (Philippians 3:20) My future is far brighter than any diamond, pleasure, or fond memory this earth can afford. I am confident in my final destination. God promises me a home with Him for all eternity. He never lies and He always keeps His Word. No one can take my hope (or inheritance) away from me – I am protected by the power of the Almighty God!
J. Michael Hansen 