Make Room for Hope
Notes
Transcript
when we approach this time of the year, there are many families that are in despair and worry. The holidays are coming, Christmas, there is worry about money, food, clothing…
at this same time, the new year is also around the corner, New Year’s resolution, the, we ask ourselves what we accomplished in the last year?
we look at others and start to compare, now our worry, about the future turns to anxiety and fear and doubt.
intro: Hope is deeply rooted in faith and trust in God’s promises, focusing on certainty and assurance rather than mere wishful thinking.
It is a confident expectation of good things based on God’s character, faithfulness, and sovereignty.
Biblical hope provides strength, comfort, and purpose, particularly in difficult times.
1 Thessalonians 4:13 (ESV)
But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.
How this passage could point to Christ: Throughout Scripture, Christ is depicted as the ultimate source of our hope, especially in His victory over death. His resurrection assures believers that even in our darkest moments, hope is alive and well, enabling us to face our circumstances with confidence in God’s plan.
Big Idea: The key takeaway is that cultivating hope requires intentional actions and choices that focus our hearts on God’s faithfulness, enabling a resilient spirit that thrives amid challenges, transforming trials into testimonies of God’s goodness.
Recommended Study: As you prepare, consider delving into the concept of hope in the context of community and resilience in your Logos library. Look for studies on the role of hope in overcoming adversity, particularly in the writings of Paul, such as Philippians 4:13 and Romans 15:13. Investigate how different biblical characters exemplified cultivating hope, which can enhance your understanding and provide relatable examples for your sermon.
1. Clear out the clutter
1. Clear out the clutter
Isaiah 43:18–19 (ESV)
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
To make room for hope, we must release past disappointments, failures, or burdens that occupy our hearts.
hope cannot take root in a heart filled with regrets, unresolved pains and disappointments.
toxic relationships, negative thoughts, misplaced priorities clutter our lives and distract us from God.
step: Name what is holding you back and surrender it to God.
what new opportunities is God offering to me?
what past hurt do I need to forgive or release to be able to trust God to heal me
messy room: until you get rid of the unnecessary things, there is no space for something new or desirable- just like spiritual lives.
2. Anchor your hope in God and his promises
2. Anchor your hope in God and his promises
We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain,
Hope is stable when grounded in God not people- it lasts
true hope is found in the nature, character and promises of God, not people, circumstances or things.
in the storms of life our hope in God anchors us and keeps us secure
know Gods promises
trust His timing
Shift your perspective- focused on who calms the storm not the storm
Abraham Romans 4: 18-21
In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.
3. Create a space to grow
3. Create a space to grow
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Hope requires faith that trusts in God even when the future is unclear
hope is not passive it is active trust in Gods plans
cultivate hope through prayer- ask God to reveal his plans
stay connected to people around you that encourage your faith
steps of faith allow to to make room for hope
Preparing the soil, planting, watering don’t guarantee growth but with consistency there will be growth so we must nurture hope by practicing our faith.
4. Hope brings renewal
4. Hope brings renewal
Isaiah 40:31 (ESV)
but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
our perspective , strength and purpose are renewed
it shift us from what we don’t have to the abundance of grace and power.
When we place our hope in the Lord, it transforms us from the inside out. Renewal through hope is about experiencing God’s strength, peace, and joy in the midst of life’s struggles
Application:
Application:
This message speaks directly to individuals facing despair, anxiety, or discouragement, encouraging them to actively seek hope as an essential element of their spiritual walk. By making conscious choices that reflect hope, attendees can find deeper courage to face their struggles and inspire others to do the same.
Conclusion
Conclusion
making room for hope is an act of surrender
letting go of the things that weigh us down and opening up to the transformative love of God.
let us commit to create space in our lives for hope even as we enter a new year
a hope that will sustain us, guide us and draw us closer to the rock of our salvation. The one who calls us to eat, and dine with him this morning.
there is no hope outside of God, and even as we come to his table we are reminded of his promises
will you make room for hope in your life?
Will you clear doubt?
Trust Gods promises
Serve and forgive others… continue to examine yourself and answer these questions to make room for hope
prayer: As we prepare to dine with the lord, may we all take time to reflect in our lives, Bible tells us not to take the communion unworthily because we bring a curse upon ourselves. This is not to scare you or cause you to be set back, but an opportunity to be renewed and be made whole in Christ Jesus. You know your life and so speak to Christ about anything that is a hindrance to you and ask Christ to release you of that burden even as you make every effort no to go back.
Pray over the emblems…
For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
express gratitude for receiving Christ's body and blood,
pray for strength to live a life reflecting that gift,
pray for guidance to serve others, and request a renewal of faith and commitment to live according to Christian teachings,
often including specific intentions for personal needs or the needs of others in the community