Finding Joy (Part 6 of 7)

6) Hope

And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith… Philippians 1:25

     Firstly, Paul the Apostle knew who he was, he rejoiced in small things, he continued in prayer, lived for Christ while serving others, and had an eternal perspective. All these realizations and assertions gave him hope. This was not a blind hope or a delusional hope; Paul was cognizant of his circumstances and he understood that at any moment he could die.Yet he was impervious, he had confidence, and he encouraged the brethren to rejoice, rejoice, rejoice. All these elements were integrated in the personhood of Paul the Apostle. Paul the Apostle was no different than you and I, but he had a perspective that we need to learn. He possessed almost a reckless abandonment of fear and oppression. His hope was not in life on earth, but abundant life with our glorious God.

     Secondly, Paul had an expectant, anticipated disposition of hope. Hope in what? Paul was no fool. He says we are in this world and we are going to suffer from trials and tribulations. I want to clarify a few things theologically: There is a sect of people who (falsely) preach that because we are Christians, we are exempt from things like pain, suffering, and financial despair. This implies that once we accept Christ we should never be sick and never be poor. Notice what Paul says in verse 29: For to you has been granted on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer… Do me a favor and highlight, underline, and circle this scripture in your bible. I’ve heard pastors (pastors?!?!) say, “Why drive a Volkswagen when you can drive a Cadillac?” or “If you are sick, don’t say you’re sick because that means you are confessing it.” Listen, man, I don’t care how much you confess positively, we are going to go through trials, testings, and tribulations. I look in the mirror and I’m getting old! I have no hair, I wear glasses, and my USMC waist looks like a tire rather than a washboard. We are degenerating. But Paul says, as this outward man is perishing the inward man is being renewed day by day! My eternal perspective gives me hope that one day I will stand before my Savior in a new glorified body and hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant...” (Matthew 25:23a).