By Chuck Bentley

The New York Times is rarely a source to find supporting documentation for sound theology, but Nicholas Kristof wrote an insightful article about recent research that proves that hope is an essential element to our financial well being. He said,

“Whether in America or India, families that are stressed and impoverished — trapped in cycles of poverty — can feel a hopelessness that becomes self-fulfilling. Give people reason to hope that they can achieve a better life, and that, too, can be self-fulfilling.
 
Much of the news about global poverty is depressing, but this is fabulous: a large-scale experiment showing, with rigorous evidence, what works to lift people out of the most extreme poverty. And it’s exhilarating that one of the lessons may be so simple and human: the power of hope.”

For we Christians, our faith is infused with hope; in fact it should be running over with hope. Listen to God’s Word:

“For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O Lord, from my youth.” (Psalm 71:5)

“Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God.” (Psalm 146:5)

“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.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” (1 Peter 1:3)

So never despair; put your confidence in God and He will bring you hope.

Originally posted 6/10/2015.