(Photo posted on Facebook page “Last Call”)

Hope, according to the dictionary, means  1) the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best,  2)  grounds for this feeling in a particular instance, 3)  a person in which expectations are centered,  or 4)  something that is hoped for.

How can some people endure a hardship with a smile and peace?  Hope.

Why do others give up in the same hardship, sometimes to the extent of taking their own lives?  Hopelessness.

Did one have a feeling or grounds or person or thing that was different than the other? For all people:  feelings are volatile and unstable,  grounds move,  people fail,  things crumble.

So what is the difference between hope and hopelessness?  The Bible alone has the answer.  Hope in the Bible means “certain expectation or confidence.”  Since feelings are unstable, grounds move, people fail, and things crumble, where can we find certainty?  Only in Jesus Christ, our blessed hope (Titus 2:13).  In Jesus we have the hope (certain confidence) of eternal life  (Titus 1:2).  Contrary to the hope offered by the loving God is the hopelessness peddled by the liar known as Satan.  Satan’s message is, “There is no hope.  God cannot help you.  Just kill yourself.”

If a person facing a hardship puts his/her hope in Jesus, they can endure it with a smile and peace.  If a person facing the same hardship puts his/her hope in feelings, grounds, a person, or a thing, they may be overwhelmed, feel hopeless, and even take their own life.

Do not listen to the liar.  Listen to Jesus.  He said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid,”  (John 14:26) and, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

The Person Jesus Christ is Hope.  He came to give hope to the hopeless.  We have no other hope.

If you have this hope, praise Him and bear witness of Him!  If you are hopeless, cry out to Jesus!  He, the difference between hope and hopeless, will give you hope.