The blankets of Texas wildflowers in the fields and ditches surrounding our Arlington community each April create a fitting backdrop for National Hope Month. The spring weather, plentiful blooms and holiday activities give seniors many reasons to feel hopeful for good things, but in the face of difficulties or illnesses, these emotions are often fleeting and easily lost.
Unlike feelings, true hope provides perseverance and strength that allows Christians to outlast life's hardships. However, it can only be experienced when well-wishes are exchanged for the unshakable promises of God.
By studying the ways that Jesus promises to care for His chosen, seniors of faith can find the confidence to live with hope and flourish in it (John 10:10).
I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. John 15:15 NIV
Jesus doesn't ask believers to follow Him blindly. His life and ministry reveal to us the goodness of His character and intentions. This lets seniors rest in the knowledge that they are never alone and that they have a friend that they can trust in any situation.
Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Hebrews 7:25 NIV
Hebrews 4:15 reminds believers that Jesus understands our struggles and weaknesses. In His time on earth, He endured sufferings such as temptations, hunger and extreme physical pain.
Seniors can take comfort in the fact that Jesus is holding them in prayer, just as He demonstrated during His ministry (John chapter 17), and that He has promised no one can be taken from His hands (John 10:28).
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29 NIV
The importance of Jesus's sinless life and sacrificial death are taught extensively this time of year and with good reason. These truths are the very heart of the Christian faith.
By believing in Jesus, seniors burdened by a lifetime of mistakes and regrets can find the forgiveness and peace that lets them look forward to their future on earth and in heaven.
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 NIV
Hindsight is a powerful tool for encouragement in hardships. Seniors can deepen their faith during times of trouble by reflecting on Jesus's provision in the past and the ways that He used the situations to bring about good things in their lives (Romans 8:28).
Though Christians may not be able to understand every season in their lives, the knowledge of Jesus' faithfulness lets them find a steady hope founded in trust.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 NIV
