While many anticipate the freshness of a blank calendar, others struggle with depression, anxiety, and fear as the unknown of 2023 looms. In a world immersed in wars, mental health issues, hurt, and general confusion, many need hope to be revived. Do you?
When Hope Needs to be Revived
In 1 Timothy 1:1, the writer declares, “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope.” In the original language, the word hope is elpis and it means confident expectation. Paul maintained a confident expectation about “the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Timothy 6:14 NIV) rather than a pie-in-the-sky wish. He trusted in the promises of God despite the hardships he endured.
Beatings. Shipwrecks. Stoning. Snake bites. Imprisonment. Of all people, Paul understood loss, persecution, and poverty. But he penned words of hope on parchment.
Of all people, Paul understood loss, persecution, and poverty. But he penned words of hope on parchment. Click To TweetWhy?
Paul’s eyes remained locked on eternity and the heart of Christ. He knew that this life serves as an entry point to the believer’s forever with the Savior. As Romans 6:23 (NIV) reads, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus.”
Can you even begin to imagine? A life immersed in the beauty and grace of God. A life celebrating the Son of God.
When we lose sight of what awaits, perhaps we can remind ourselves of Paul’s words. Oh, Jesus, revive our hope in you.
When Your Heart Needs to be Revived
Schedules fill with must-do’s, have-to’s, church obligations, and family expectations. Somehow we push the One we do it all for in the first place to the margins of the day. Can anyone relate?
Soon, life grows tasteless. Our spirits need Bread and our hearts need to be revived. I’ve been in that place before—wasting away for lack of sustenance. Needing to fill my spirit with the nourishment of imperishable manna.
Christ once commended the church of Ephesus for her endurance and perseverance. But in her toil and desire to do for the Lord? Her heart had grown cold. Distant. Jesus chastised the church, “Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first.” (Revelation 2:4 NIV).
When love grows dim, people give up the habits and patterns they invested in when passion flourished. They relinquish key relational elements such as time, intimate conversation, and respect. Our spiritual relationship with the Father involves those same components. While the people in the church of Ephesus held fast during challenging times, their hearts needed revival. Jesus had been relegated to the if-I-have-time-for-you edges of the day when He longed for you-have-all-of-me.
If our schedules grow too full for you, Jesus, remind us to “choose what is better”.
If our schedules grow too full for you, Jesus, remind us to “choose what is better”. Click To TweetA Prayer When Your Heart Needs to be Revived
Father,
Forgive us. You know we long to accomplish good for your kingdom, but we are overwhelmed by the busyness as tasks and requirements and commitments pile up. Our relationship with you suffers, Lord. We invite you to superintend our schedules, Lord, and revive our hearts. Give us spirits that burn within and a desire to seek you afresh. “Revive us, and we will call upon Your name.” (Psalm 80:18 NIV)
We ask all of this in Jesus’ holy name,
Amen
Conclusion
Friend, no matter the situation, Jesus is our hope. The one who conquered the grave is able to overcome any circumstance–whether this side of heaven or the other. We can put our hope in Him.
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Tammy, this is such an encouraging and hope-filled post! Both our hearts and our hope can be revived through Christ. You brought to mind a song, which I have now listened to a few times 🙂 – https://youtu.be/bDmypJPubgw . “Now I’m seein’ With eyes full of clarity Living for more Than just what’s in front of me.” Thank you for reminding me that we are living for more than this side of heaven. May we “choose what is better.” Blessings!
Joanne, I think we live in a time when people need revived hope. It drives me to my knees. Thanks for sharing Keeper of My Heart. I’m listening to it now!
Blessings,
Tammy
Beautiful post, Tammy. I am writing about Hope for all of my posts this month. It is so true, that at times we need our Hope revived and refreshed, God is faithful to do that, for He is the God of Hope.
Tammy, this is so encouraging. I am so grateful for our Hope Jesus.
Hi Deborah,
Already this month I’ve read about hope on Donna Butcher’s blog and our pastor preached about hope the last two Sundays. I must have needed the reminder that He is our everlasting Hope.
Blessings to you,
Tammy
Hi Donna,
I love it! I’m writing about revived hope this month as it coincides with my word of the year–revive[d].
I’m looking forward to reading your beautiful words.
Blessings,
Tammy
I’m so glad our hope is not in vain, Tammy! “Jesus is our hope. The one who conquered the grave is able to overcome any circumstance–whether this side of heaven or the other. We can put our hope in Him.” Amen!
Never in vain, Lisa, and no turning back. Lord, strengthen our faith!
Blessings,
Tammy
For sure, we need to experience revival in all the ways that matter most. And as we are revived, we become equipped to bring revival to those God sends on to our path.
Praise be!
Oh, Linda, that is my earnest prayer. Amen!
Blessings to you today,
Tammy
Well, this post helped bolster my hope today! I find that I get discouraged and down when my hopes focus on things “far away” or not specified on my calendar. Hope deferred makes the heart sick, I guess? These prayers and thoughts are so helpful to revive hope, and reminded me that sometimes I need to refocus on my first love. Jesus IS my hope, after all! Have a blessed day! Visiting from IMM#28
Hi Kym,
I think we all struggle with hope deferred. It’s such an encouragement knowing He is hope in the flesh who intercedes on our behalf.
Praying He gives you peace today.
Tammy, I so appreciate this post and the gentle reminders you offer. I’m so thankful Jesus is more than able to revive our hearts. That He is the One we can always put our hope in.
I so resonated with this: “no matter the situation, Jesus is our hope. The one who conquered the grave is able to overcome any circumstance–whether this side of heaven or the other. We can put our hope in Him.”
I am grateful that He eclipses all circumstances. That knowledge buoys me when I’m struggling.
Blessings to you,
Tammy