Reason For Hope

James 5:7-8 (NLT)

Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. You, too, must be patient. Take courage for the coming of the Lord is near.  

James wrote this letter to Christians who were under pressure, being ill-treated by unjust people who had an advantage over them. This passage helps bring them into the right perspective, shifting their focus from the here and now, to the eternal and unseen. 

Hebrews 11:1 ‘Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.’ 

Ask yourself, what situations and disappointments do you find yourself dwelling on lately? What is taking priority in your life and where is your focus? Keeping that in mind, let’s look at how we shift our attention and focus, from our current realities to the eternal hope we have in Christ. 

In verse 7 James makes it clear that the attitude of our spirit is important, He also tells us, that it’s our perspective, fixing our hope on the return of the Lord, that will produce patience in us. 2 Thessalonians chapter 1 speaks specifically of God honouring those who demonstrate perseverance and faith in the face of persecution and suffering. 

The ESV translation of today's verse from Hebrews tells us to ‘establish our hearts’. As we invite and intentionally allow the Spirit to do this work in us, we’ll see both our perspective and attitude begin to shift.  

2 Timothy 3:12 warns that all who desire to 'live godly in Christ Jesus' will suffer persecution, and 1 Peter 4 encourages us to rejoice in the fact that we may have to bear shame for the name of Christ. Keeping our hopes firm for the return of Christ makes us strong in times of suffering.

Let this practice of shifting your perspective to the future glory of Jesus' return, strengthen you where you’re seeking hope right now. 

Prayer – Lord would you strengthen us where we feel weak and weary and remind us of our eternal hope and joy in you. Help us to shift our thoughts and perspective to one of eternal hope.