The opposite of hope is discouragement, sadness, and depression. The Biblical meaning of discouragement is a loss of confidence and hope; Having one’s courage extinguished. Take a moment and imagine a tall red suited fireman or woman pulling out a super-long hose from a firetruck to put one’s flaming house, that is on fire out. That fire is burning inside of you to accomplish whatever you need to do in your workplace, home, community or church or better yet the Kingdom.
Job in 6:11-13 asked “What strength do I have, that I should hope? And what is my end that I should prolong life? Is my strength of stones ? or is my flesh bronze? Is my help not within me?
Apparently, Job did not know what God said to Joshua, in Joshua 1:9, God said to Joshua (and to many past and current believers including me) “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” God was so sincere about what He commanded that He repeated it three times when speaking to Joshua.
And apparently, Job did not understand that the joy of the LORD was his strength (Nehemiah 8:10). However, a spirit filled believer’s assumption is that he or she understands what God spoke to Joshua pertains to him or her also and that the joy of the Lord is his or her strength, in addition to understanding that Jesus is with him or her until the end of time (Matthew 28:20).
Beloveds remember that God’s mercy, His loyal love, endures forever and you are no longer alienated from God, but you have been reconciled by Christ’s physical body through His death on the cross presenting you as holy in His sight, free from accusations and without blemish. He has given you the Spirit of His love and hope. Hold onto that hope through faith in Christ, walking in the newness of life, you are alive in Christ, living to testify, shout, and sing of God’s love. Sing hallelujah! Praise God for the love and joy He gives!
Prayer: Father thank you for the hope, love, and joy You so gracefully have given us. For this we praise you. Amen
Moral of the story: Your spiritual flame of love and hope can never burn out for God is living in you, just keep adding fuel to the fire (His Words). Be Strong and courageous! Hold on to your hope in Christ.
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