God’s Word says we should be “prisoners of hope.” Don’t let your past failures leave you hopeless about your future success. Your future has no room in it for the failures of the past. — Joyce Meyer
A Positive Attitude is Needed
Being among the prisoners of hope might be hard to envision if you’ve suffered a terrible wrong; or a season of serious disappointments. But, it is possible to become a prisoner of hope and it is incredibly motivational once established. The first thing needed is a healthy attitude to believe the struggle will come to an end and a new day dawn. For me, hope begins with a personal relationship with my Creator. God is for me; and you. He is the true author of hope.
Negativity is Counter-productive to Hope
Are there seeds of negativity controlling your inner thoughts? Does this counter-productive self-talk rob you of feeling thankful and blessed? If so, you are in a negative place emotionally and it’s time to examine the root cause beneath those feelings and uproot them. There are many causes to explore:
- You’ve been betrayed in childhood, or in an adult relationship, by someone you trusted; someone who should have protected you from harm.
- You haven’t accepted forgiveness from God for your own sins. Recognizing Jesus as the sure covering for all transgressions is the key to a hope-filled future.
- Are you harboring a spirit of unforgiveness; is there a chip on your shoulder? Name it—confess it. It is impossible to be a prisoner of hope while refusing to let others off the hook.
Zechariah 9:12 Return to your fortress, you prisoners of hope; even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you. (NIV)
Hope is Based on Promises
The promises of God are amazing. He didn’t speak them only to those who walked the earth long ago, but for every generation that would follow. I’ve made it a habit to insert my name into the promises found in the Bible. It’s made a huge difference in how confident I feel no matter the circumstances. I know without a doubt God sees my struggles and captures every tear. Why? Because He says so in His Word.
- 1 Chronicles 16:34 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
- Psalm 126:5 Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.
- Joshua 1:5 No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.
- John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” [Jesus]
Are you a prisoner of hope? If not, will you consider gaining this perspective? Peace is promised if you do.
