False hope is seeking a perfect and problem-free life.  But TRUE HOPE is seeking the PERFECT ONE, Jesus Christ, the Hope of Glory, Who overcame the world.

“I have told you these things, so that IN ME you may have [PERFECT] PEACE. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]”  John 16:33 Amp

IN HIM, JOY is possibly found even in the midst of adversity.  SEEK HIM!  PRAISE HIM! WORSHIP HIM!  He inhabits the praises of His people and where His habitation is, fullness of joy is its atmosphere.  Joy is a powerful strengthener.  “Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)

IN HIM, HOPE, a confident expectation of good, is encountered.  Jesus is the HOPE of Glory.  In Him there is no dead end.  He makes a way where there seems to be no way.  The truth of the matter is, HE IS THE WAY!   He’ll open doors for you that no man can shut.  He is infinite and He’ll show you anything to the extent of your pursuit of Him.

IN HIM, LOVE is demonstrated.  When we know how much we are loved by our Perfect Father, then it will cast out all our fears away.  It positions us with confidence and truth that no matter what happens, we’ve got our backs covered for He is our rear guard.  His embrace is always welcoming and never forsaking.

IN HIM, GRACE abounds much more that enables us to do things beyond our limitations. The Holy Spirit in us empowers us to do the supernatural things that He has called us to do and make a difference in people’s lives.  Always keep in mind that our lives can’t be focused on ourselves alone and for us to walk with each other, oh yes, we need GRACE, GRACE and MORE GRACE!  The impossibility of loving our enemy is beyond our capacity but with HIS GRACE, with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in our lives, it becomes possible.  Apart from Him, we are indeed nothing.

IN HIM, MERCY is found. When we do wrong, expect forgiveness and restoration by the power of the Blood of Jesus with such instancy.  The faster we get guilt and condemnation out of us when we fall short of His glory, the better.  When the GPS in our cars says “recalculating”, we better get back on track, otherwise we’ll go farther and farther away from our destination.  Once our confidence is back to feel the embrace of His loving arms again, the sweeter it gets, then our journey continues with joy.

IN HIM, PEACE is inevitable.  Jesus is the Prince of Peace.  Therefore when we are in Him, we are at PEACE!  When peace dwells richly in our hearts, then we get to be at peace with those around us.  Hmmmm … and this next verse may encourage you … “When a man’s ways are pleasing to the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”  (Proverbs 16:7 NASB)   I had a good laugh at this.  You see, it’s not even us who make this possible.  It says here .. “HE MAKES”, it doesn’t say that you and I will do it.

IN HIM, LIGHT be!  Jesus is the light of the world and this light shines most brightly in the darkest places.  When we go through difficulties, through the valley of the shadow of death, we FEAR NO EVIL for HE, the Shepherd, Jesus, Who is Light, IS WITH US!  And light is always superior to darkness.  Surely when light comes, darkness flees.  Therefore FEAR which is of the kingdom of darkness is thrown out of the window speedily.

We respond right to situations when we focus on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.  We confidently put our trust in Him, lean on Him, rely totally on Him and not in our own ability and comprehension.  He is the LORD OF RIGHTEOUSNESS and He lives inside of us.  When we allow His righteousness to greatly influence our hearts and renew our minds, then to do what is right cannot be avoided.  Responding right always gives us TRUE HOPE.

To SEEK HIM is the key!

“Then [with a deep longing] you will seek Me and require Me [as a vital necessity] and [you will] find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.”  Jeremiah 29:13 Amp

Photo Credits:  Sally Ann Matthews