In a world filled with uncertainty and struggle, where do we turn when we need hope? The first Sunday of Advent reminds us that true hope isn't found in wishful thinking or human solutions, but in the unchanging character and promises of God.
What Is Biblical Hope?
The word "hope" gets thrown around casually in our everyday conversations. We hope our favorite team wins, hope we get that promotion, or hope our loved ones like the gifts we've chosen. But biblical hope is fundamentally different from wishful thinking.
While the dictionary defines hope as "to wish for a particular event that one considers possible," biblical hope is defined as "a confident expectation for the future based on God's promises." This isn't crossing our fingers and wishing for the best—it's a solid confidence rooted in who God is and what He has promised.
Why Human Solutions Fall Short
The Limitation of Earthly Help
Psalm 146:3-4 warns us: "Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground. On that very day, their plans come to nothing."
When we face difficulties, our natural inclination is to turn to human resources—people in power, those with authority, or anyone who seems capable of helping us. But the psalmist reminds us that all human help is finite and limited. Even the most powerful people eventually pass away, and their plans come to an end.
A Better Foundation
Instead, Psalm 146:5 offers a better alternative: "Blessed is he whose help is in the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord, his God." This is the central verse of the entire psalm, pointing us toward the true source of hope.
Why God Is Our Source of Hope
He Is the Creator and Sustainer
Psalm 146:6 reminds us that God is "the maker of heaven and earth, the sea and everything in them, the Lord who remains faithful forever." Unlike human helpers who exist within creation, God is sovereign over all creation. He is outside and above everything that happens within it, making Him uniquely qualified to help us.
He Cares for the Vulnerable
The psalm goes on to describe how God demonstrates His loving kindness through restorative acts for various vulnerable groups:
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He gives food to the hungry
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He sets prisoners free
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He gives sight to the blind
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He lifts up those who are bowed down
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He watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and widow
God cares about every dimension of human vulnerability. Whether we're facing financial struggles, health problems, the weight of overwhelming circumstances, or deep loneliness, God sees us and acts on our behalf.
The God of Jacob: Hope Through Struggle
Why Jacob Matters
It's significant that the psalmist refers to "the God of Jacob" rather than the God of Abraham or Moses. Jacob's life was marked by constant strife and struggle. He had ongoing conflicts with his brother Esau, problems with his uncle Laban, and even wrestled with God himself.
Transformation Through Surrender
Jacob's breakthrough came when he finally stopped trying to figure everything out on his own and submitted to God. Only then did God change his name to Israel and promise to fulfill through him all the promises given to Abraham. Jacob's story shows us that hope comes not through our own strength, but through surrendering to God's plan.
The Ultimate Hope: Jesus Christ
Advent's Promise
The greatest reason for hope is what we celebrate during Advent—that God came to earth in the flesh through Jesus Christ. This isn't just hope for better circumstances today, but hope for all eternity.
Eternal Perspective
Through Jesus' death and resurrection, we have hope beyond our current struggles. We can look forward to being in the presence of a loving God without struggle, strife, pain, or hurt. This eternal perspective transforms how we view our present difficulties.
Responding with Praise
A Commitment to Worship
Psalm 146 begins and ends with praise: "Praise the Lord. O my soul, I will praise the Lord all my life. I will sing praise to my God as long as I live" and concludes with "The Lord reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations. Praise the Lord."
Praise in All Circumstances
The psalmist makes a commitment to praise God not just today, but regardless of what circumstances may come. This is the same commitment we see in baptism—a pledge of loyalty to King Jesus no matter what life brings.
Life Application
This week, examine where you're placing your hope. Are you looking to human solutions, your own strength, or circumstances to change? Challenge yourself to redirect your hope toward God's character and promises.
Consider these questions as you reflect on this message:
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In what areas of your life are you currently struggling to maintain hope?
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Where have you been tempting to put your trust in human solutions rather than God's promises?
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How can you practically remind yourself daily that your hope is founded on God's unchanging character?
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What would it look like for you to praise God "as long as you live," regardless of your circumstances?
Remember that biblical hope isn't passive waiting—it's confident expectation based on who God is and what He has promised. As you face whatever challenges lie ahead, anchor your hope in the God who remains faithful forever.