Commit to HOPE

Webster’s Dictionary defines “commit” to carry into action deliberately a pledge or assign to some particular course or use. I define HOPE as “Hold On Pain Ends.” Continuous pain can lead to fear and a loss of hope. Some fear commitment because of uncertainty and a loss of hope. In this pandemic of systemic racial injustice, political election uncertainty, an unknown date of a safe, sure COVID–19 vaccine, many need hope. We can fearlessly “Commit to HOPE” (Hold On Pain Ends) because of our Faithful God. Psalm 71 suggests crying out in prayer and praise from an experienced saint, who has learned from an early age to commit to hope. It expresses committed trust based on a long fellowship with God. In 1836, Charles Simeon, an evangelical clergyman, retired after 54 years of ministry at Holy Trinity Church, Cambridge. A friend discovered he still got up at 4 am to light his fireplace to spend time alone with God. He asked, “Mr. Simeon, do you not think that, now you are retired, you might take things more easily?” “What?” replied the old man, “Shall I not now run with all my might when the winning-post is in sight?” I saw in Pastor Simeon his unending commitment to HOPE knowing he is to “Hold On Pain Ends.” In Ps 71, the psalmist vowed greater praise to God for lifelong deliverance by His power, to “always have hope,” and to always praise God. Despite life’s troubles, we can count on God to restore His children. All who live a life of hope in God endlessly resorts to Him by faith, praise, and prayer for His promises that enable us to “Hold On Pain Ends.” Believers are justified at salvation to receive peace, grace and hope to grow in tribulation, perseverance and character. The best hope is grounded in peace. Paul in Romans 5:1-5 encourages all who have trusted in Jesus as their Savior to have hope with peace. This faith gives us peaceful power to “Commit to HOPE” through our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us continually glorify God, giving the message of HOPE to family, friends, and all dealing with some form of these pandemics, knowing it will produce perseverance, character and hope. HOPE does not disappoint, because of the endless love of God in us by the Gift of the Holy Spirit.