When we are dying, it can be challenging to find hope. It's natural to feel despair and hopelessness when faced with the reality of our mortality. However, as Christians, we have a unique perspective on hope. Our hope is not just a feeling or a wish, but a confident expectation of what God has promised. In Colossians 1:5, Paul writes that our hope is being stored up for us in heaven. This means that even in the midst of death and suffering, we can have hope because we know that our eternal destiny is secure in Christ. Our hope is not based on our own strength or circumstances, but on the sovereignty of God and His promise to give us eternal life through Jesus Christ.
As we face the reality of death, it's essential to remember that our hopes and dreams may not be fulfilled in this life. In fact, the Bible says that when we die, our hopes and dreams will perish (Psalm 37:20). However, this does not mean that our hope is empty or hollow. Rather, it means that our hope is being purified and refined, preparing us for the eternal life that awaits us. Our hope is not just a wish for a better life, but a confident expectation of what God has promised. As we trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, we can have hope even in the midst of death and suffering.
In the midst of death, it's also essential to remember that our hope is not just individual, but corporate. We are part of the body of Christ, and our hope is connected to the hope of the church. As we gather with other believers, we are reminded of the story of God's redemption and the hope that we have in Christ. We are encouraged to commit ourselves to a church where the story is told, and to seek opportunities for daily reminders of God's hope. By doing so, we can cultivate a deeper sense of hope and trust in God's sovereignty, even in the midst of death and suffering. Ultimately, our hope is not just a feeling, but a confident expectation of what God has promised, and it is this hope that gives us the strength to face death with courage and faith.