How does hope cultivate within a human? Can one arbitrarily will the feeling of hope for him or herself? Is there a formula for this ? One sure way is to overcome the punitive consequences of sin. The results of sin are death and suffering, the “vengeance of eternal fire.” (Jude 1:7) This separation from God renders unfavorable feelings of self-loathing, loneliness and fear, a natural result of being cut off from the love of God. As you cry for help, you sense that God is not listening (Isaiah 59:2). This is a horrible position to exist, burning from the flames of sin and being cut-off from the love of God. It is reasonable to conclude that living in these moments can seem hopeless; that there is no path or opportunity for better feelings or progress in life (Isaiah 6:6). But if one seeks humility and repents, the power of forgiveness is the seed that ushers in hope (Wisdom 12:19). When one feels the overwhelming love of God expressed in forgiveness of one’s sins, hope is born within. One discovers a path to possibility and inner victory after experiencing the love of God, especially when we do not deserve it. Finally, the pathway to putting repentance into motion is confession: “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy” (Proverbs 28:13). Confession is the engine to freedom from sin; it permits the cloud of sin to dissipate into the loving arms of Jesus Christ, granting us victory, freedom and hope.
The DNA of Hope
