Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. And into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled and unfading, kept in heaven for you. You are being guarded by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.  1 Peter 1:3-5 CSB

This is an excerpt from our upcoming Sunday School lesson. This week we are beginning a new series on Hope in Christ. As believers, we have a living hope in Jesus Christ which sets us apart.

If you have ever hoped in anything other than Christ, you know that you have set yourself up for disappointment. We have all suffered disappointment in circumstances, finances, relationships and other material things. When we put our hope in earthly things, including other human beings,  we are subject to huge disappointment. This is because people and things are ever changing.

But when we place our hope in Christ and Christ alone, we cannot be shaken. We will not be disappointed. He may tell us no or not right now when we pray for something, but we know that this is because He has better plans for us.

You may recall a hymn written by Pastor Edward Mote in 1863 called My Hope is Built on Solid Ground. The lyrics say, “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus Christ, my righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame. But wholly lean on Jesus’ name. On Christ, the solid rock I stand. All other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand.”

The foundation is the most important part of a structure. If the foundation is faulty, it cannot stand. Our foundation must be in Jesus Christ. He is the only solid thing we have to cling to. No person in their right mind would build their house in quicksand, right? But when we place our hope in the people or the things of this world, that’s just what we are doing.

Putting our faith in Jesus gives us confidence and courage to face the challenges that lie ahead. When we know that God is in charge, we have no reason to fear.

If you are putting your hope in loved ones, politicians, finances, or anything other thing of this world, know that you may be disappointed. Know that there is no guarantee that it will work out. But when we put our hope in Jesus Christ and focus on Him, He takes care of all that we need (Matthew 6:33).

If you are disappointed or discouraged with the things in this world, know that this is not our permanent home. We are just passing through. Why get all entangled in what’s going on here? Just know that God’s got this. Trust in Him to take good care of you.

When our hope is in Jesus Christ, it is solid. We can rest assured.

So, I ask you today, are you worried? Do you feel like you are swimming upstream against the things of this world? Relax, be still, and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10). He’s got this. All you have to do is have faith in Him. Do not be troubled by what goes on in this world, because He has overcome the world (John 16:33).

Have a great day!