At the end of the 20th century the suicide rate in America was headed down; however in 1999 it started increasing.  The suicide rate has risen by a quarter, to 13 per 100,000 people in 2014 from 10.5 in 1999, according to an analysis by Sally Curtin and her colleagues at the Center for Disease Control.  What is shocking is the group that had the largest increase are girls between the ages of 10 and 14, their rate experienced the largest percent increase, tripling over 15 years.

Where do you find hope?  We often use the word hope in a wishful sense such as, “I hope my team wins the big game.”  When the word hope is used in the Bible it conveys the idea of a confident expectation.  John Calvin’s commentary on the Epistle To The Hebrews describes hope as an expression of faith, “For the word hope I take for faith; and indeed hope is nothing else but the constancy of faith.”

As we go through life, we encounter a number of challenges that can cause despair and discouragement.  So where can we find the hope that is described in the Bible?  The Apostle Paul reveals the answer in his letter to the church at Rome,

For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.  (Romans 15:4)

As you read of God’s faithfulness in the past, it can give you hope for the future.  What does this say about the importance of reading the Scriptures?   One of the primary purposes of the Scriptures is to give you instruction.  The Bible is not simply a book of ancient history but it is your manual for effective living.   Paul teaches the same principle to the church at Corinth,

Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.  (1 Corinthians 10:11)

In my library I have a small book entitled, The Enchiridion,  which is a Greek word that literally means The Handbook.  Augustine wrote this compact treatise on Christian living to his friend Laurentius.  This book provides instruction on faith, hope, and love in everyday life.  In Augustine’s day the Scriptures were not widespread so Augustine sent his friend instruction to help him in his Christian walk.  Today we have the Scriptures in any format imaginable, digital or analog with a large variety of translations.  If you are experiencing a dearth of hope in your life, take some time and reflect upon God’s word,

Why are you in despair, O my soul?
And why are you disturbed within me?
Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him,
The help of my countenance and my God.  (Psalm 43:5)

As God fills you with His hope and encouragement, may you be a channel of hope to others.

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.  (Romans 15:13)

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

Follow me on twitter:  rickhiggins5