THEME: MY HOPE IS BUILT ON CHRIST JESUS
  TEXT: PSALM 27:1-4

TOPIC: HOPE IN GOD
TEXT: PSALM 42:5; 25:5; 62:5

Introduction
It is said that man can survive for days without water and food but cannot live a day without hope. When anyone loses hope, he or she will willingly embrace death. Hope then is like the anchor that keeps us afloat in the midst of life’s storms Hebrews 6:19; Romans 5:3-5.

What then is Hope?
Hope is seen more commonly as wishful thinking, presumption or even positive thinking but to us as believers, it is confident expectation in Jesus Christ – 1Timothy 1:1, 4:10 and the finished work of salvation – John 19:30.

Hope is grasping what we cannot see. Rom 8:24.

1 Peter 3:15 enjoins us to be hopeful.

Where can we place our hope?
Many have placed their hopes in:
• Wealth and riches but Matthew 6:19; Matthew 16:26 show the futility of placing our hope in riches.
• Knowledge ….will fail ….Proverbs 26:12; Proverbs 3:7
• Physical strength or attributes…. will fail…..Proverbs 11:7
• Men……. will disappoint you…..Proverbs 20:24; Jeremiah 10:23; Proverbs 26:12
• In morality or man-made moral codes……. its not enough……Acts 10:1-6

If you are wondering why you should Hope in God, consider His:
• Promises
• Personality
• Ability
• Performance

Hope brings security……. Job 11:18
Hope brings confidence… Psalm 25:3; 2 Corinthians 3:12
Hope brings praise to God… Psalm 71:14
Hope brings eternal value… Proverbs 23:18
Hope brings strength… Isaiah 40:31
Hope brings goodness… Lamentations 3:25
Hope brings joy….. Romans 12:12
Hope reveals God’s love…. Romans 5:5; Colossians 1:4-5

Hope in the power that resurrected Jesus Christ:
• Ephesians 1:18-20
• 1 Peter 1:3-4
• Job 13:15

Hope in the glory of heaven
• Hebrews 6:18-19
• Romans 8: 22-23
• 2 Corinthians 5:4-5; 4:16-18
• Colossians 1:5
• 1 Peter 1:8

Hope in the end of age
• Titus 2:13
• Colossians 3:4
• 1John 3:1-3

Hope in the future glory
• 1 Peter 4:13-14
• Daniel 12:1-3
• Galatians 5:5
• Romans 5:1-5
• Romans 8:18-21

Hope is given expression in our lives through:
• Grace…… Romans 5:2; 1 Peter 1:13
• Holy Spirit…… Romans 5:5; 15:13
• Fruit of the Spirit….. Galatians 5:22-23

Conclusion
Is there any situation described as hopeless?Invite God and let His light shine forth into your situation.

Hope in God is the most enduring with eternal value, it’s light that drives despair, gloom and doom (Satan’s instruments) bringing joy immeasurable.