The first week of Advent, we find ourselves focusing on what it means to have hope; specifically to hope in the Lord. But what does it mean to have hope in the Lord? There are plenty of scriptures that speak of hope throughout the Bible. Here are some of my favorites.

“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD” – Psalm 31:24

“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint”  – Isaiah 40:31

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” Deuteronomy 31:6

To Hope in the Lord, as these and many other scriptures remind us, is to have a confident expectation of receiving what God has promised for the future. This definition makes the first week of Advent all the more important. It is, in itself, a means of preparing us and turning us toward Christ and the promise that has been fulfilled in Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection. There are more than 300 prophecies in the Old Testament foretelling all of what Jesus would do and what He has yet to do.

Advent is not only a time to remember the past, but to look toward the future and our reunification with Jesus in Heaven or at His return to Earth. We have hope because of who He is and what He has done and continues to do each and every day. 1 Peter 3:15 challenges believers to always be ready to give an answer or explanation for the hope that you carry, for the life you live, and for the love you demonstrate daily. As we travel through this Advent season, may we be ready to answer for ourselves the hope that lives deep within us.

Pray with me. Father, we come today with humble hearts, with grateful hearts, and with hope-filled hearts. Walk with us today as we seek to be your hands and feet in this lost and broken world. Help us to always be ready to give an answer for the hope you have infused into our hearts. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!

God bless you all!