Hope

There will be darkness in this life, but God wants you to live, and we praise Him as a result.

In the busyness of our schedules and our day-to-day lives, there is a very real fight for our attention and affection. In this talk, we're reminded of the one thing that deserves to be priority—Jesus.

If you're waiting for something, are you more likely to wait patiently or freak out in the process? If you're the latter, this article may be for you.

In a world of uncertainty, we can hold fast to the Rock of Ages, our steady and true anchor, amid the waves of life.

In this talk, Louie Giglio spurs us on to stop putting our hope in our circumstances and instead pursue and seek God who is always with us.

Louie Giglio invites us to zoom out and see the entire scope of Jeremiah 29:11 and the epic promise of hope that awaits there.

As we continue through 1 John, Ben Stuart shows us what it means to walk in the light and be in fellowship with God.

The years to come will have uncertainty, yet we can stand firm in the promise of Hebrews 6:19—that there is an anchor for our souls, Jesus, who is firm and secure.

A helpful reminder that even if you're hurting during "the most wonderful time of the year," there's a path forward to hope.

Concluding the Believers in Babylon collection, Ben Stuart explains Daniel 12 and shows the connections between it and the Bible concerning the end of the world. Join us in discovering the hope that lies before us in our future.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13   You are the God of hope.   In a world often downhearted and filled with despair, You remind me that hope is never scarce.  When I look at my circumstances with weary hesitation, I remember that hope in You is offered in abundance.   You are Living Hope—  hope personified.   Even when it seems as if darkness is winning, or when I stumble or fall, or when I am facing suffering, pain, trials, or persecution, I must never give up on You.    No matter how bleak my things may seem, I must cling to the fabric of your garment.   Because You are a sun and shield; You bestow favor and honor; and no good thing do You withhold from those whose walk is blameless.   So, I pray that I will rejoice in hope,  be patient in tribulation, and be constant in prayer.   I choose to believe that when You say You will do something, it will surely come.  Not because of anything I have done but because of how good You are.   I trade in my cynicism for the highest expectations, trusting that You can do immeasurably more than all I ask or imagine, according to Your power that is at work within me.

Click here to listen to this week’s episode of Further In, in which members of the Passion City Church DC team discuss the passage of scripture we’re studying and consider how to apply the truths of God’s word to our lives.     This Week’s Reading: Daniel 8, 2 Thessalonians 2, Revelation 13 & 17 Before you read…   Daniel 8 takes us deeper into Daniel’s prophetic visions, this time with more specific focus. Unlike the broad, sweeping panorama of world empires in Daniel 7, this chapter zooms in on two significant kingdoms: Persia and Greece. The vision in Daniel 8 occurred in the third year of King Belshazzar’s reign, roughly two years after the vision of the four beasts in Daniel 7. At this moment, Daniel is around 70 years old, serving faithfully despite the turbulent shifts in political power around him.    – Read Daniel 8 –   What did I just read? In Daniel 8, Daniel receives a vision that unfolds while he is at the fortress of Susa, a significant center for the Persian Empire (8:2). This vision centers around a ram and a goat, representing specific kingdoms that will dominate the scene of history.   The Ram (8:3-4). Daniel sees a ram with two horns, one longer than the other, symbolizing the Medo-Persian Empire. The longer horn indicates Persia’s dominance over Media. This ram charges west, north, and south, conquering with unstoppable force—a picture of the expansive power of the Medo-Persian Empire.   The Goat (8:5-8). Suddenly, a goat with a prominent horn between its eyes charges swiftly from the west. The goat is so fast that it never touches the ground. This goat represents Greece, with the prominent horn symbolizing Alexander the Great. The goat’s swift movement speaks to Alexander’s rapid and decisive victories over Persia. But at the height of its power, the horn breaks, symbolizing Alexander’s sudden death. In its place, four smaller horns arise, indicating the division of Alexander’s empire into four regions led by his generals.   The Little Horn (8:9-12; 22-25). From one of these four horns, another “little horn” emerges, growing exceedingly great toward the south, the east, and the “glorious land” (that is Israel). This horn represents a future ruler who will defy God, attack His people, and desecrate His temple. Historians agree that this figure is Antiochus IV Epiphanes– the Greek king who brutally persecuted the Jewish people and desecrated the temple in 167 BC. While this prophecy was fulfilled in Antiochus IV Epiphanes, it also foreshadows a future figure, often seen as a precursor to the figures described in the New Testament (2 Thessalonians 2, Revelation 13). Meditations God Foresees History Daniel 8 reveals God’s precise knowledge of future events. He knows the rise and fall of empires and the actions of kings long before they happen. The LORD is never surprised by the twists of history or the schemes of rulers– He sees it all and works through it all to accomplish His purposes.   Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you need to trust God’s foresight and sovereignty?   The Tension of Perspective Daniel’s vision exposes the tension of living between present realities and future prophecies. Heavenly perspective brings weightiness to his everyday life. Although Daniel was troubled by the vision, he faithfully continued his duties (8:27). This reminds us that while we may feel the weight of future concerns, we’re called to stay faithful in the present. God gives us glimpses of the future not to paralyze us, but to prepare us. Reflection: How can you stay focused on what God has called you to today, even as you long for His future promises? Prayer Lord, You are the One who sees the end from the beginning.   Help me trust You with the unknowns of my life.   Forgive me for doubting Your plans.  Strengthen me to stand firm, even when times are difficult.   I long for the day when all kingdoms bow before You.   Your kingdom come, Your will be done.   Amen