Hope requires much from us. It requires our affections, our vulnerability, our energy. And even when we give ourselves to it, when we are willing to embrace that in-between-ness of hope, that possibility that things may work out or that they may not, we do so risking what can sometimes be total heartbreak. It’s hard work to hope, because there’s always the possibility our hopes can be dashed.
We can only imagine that Lamech must have known that feeling as he watched his son Noah grow up, not only experiencing the pain of toil himself, but also living in a world that seemed to be turning ever more toward sin. Noah may have been born in hope, but how could hope possibly survive in a world like this?
Genesis tells us that humanity had become so corrupt, so wicked, they entertained “only evil continually” in their hearts (Genesis 6:5). This was a far cry from the garden of Eden in Genesis 1 and 2. Things were so bad that Genesis 6:7 tells us God was grieved “to his heart.” In response, God said, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens for I am sorry that I have made them.”
Just as it seems that all hope is lost forever, a little word, three letters long, is introduced into the narrative. And that little word changes everything.
But. B-U-T. It may seem like making too big a deal over three little letters, but the truth is a coordinating conjunction has never looked so good, because this little word marks a big change in direction. Just as we read God had declared he would wipe out all living things, verse 8 continues, “But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.”
Now, when we picture Noah, this righteous man who walked with God and was blameless in his generation, it can be easy to imagine a guy who had it “ all together. But the thing about people who seem too good to be true is that they usually are. And Noah was no exception. Noah stood out among his generation for the simple reason that he walked with God, living according to his will. So, while we may be tempted to think Noah’s righteousness earned him God’s favor, that couldn’t be further from the truth. God’s favor is never earned. It is always a gift of grace.
Noah’s father, Lamech, died in hope. It’s a hard reality, and one we’d rather not share, but if Genesis 6 teaches us anything, it’s that our hope need not be in vain. God is merciful, and he is good, and because his love is a condescending love—a love that stoops down to us because we could not possibly reach up to him—we can hold on to hope even in the midst of the harshest circumstances. Lamech would never know the satisfaction of a realized hope, but God would remain faithful. His rest would come.
I am hoping that my mother fully heals after a massive stroke. I encourage her daily. I love her so much. I want her to find peace like she is …. Even IF THE LORD CHOOSES NOT TO HEAL HER.
So very grateful that I do have hope , that God’s promises give me that hope
I am HOPING for so much. I am so very THANKFUL that my hope is in The One who has the power to change hearts. My greatest hope is for my sons, that they will RETURN to the Lord and His ways, that they will KNOW Him as real and true and good. I will trust the Lord, even with this – even if I die in HOPE. Thank you for this message.
I am hoping to build a better relationship with God. I feel him in all aspects of my life, and yet at the same time, I feel disconnected with him. I want to bond with Him and get to know Him on a much deeper level. I am hoping to get that feeling through this bible study.
Hoping friends and family that don’t know God, would come to know Him and His love!
I pray and hope for restoration with my brother and his family. That they communicate with us again and heal from hurts. I also pray for my relationship with my in-laws. I hope it is redeemed to be a testimony of God’s love and faithfulness.
I’m hoping for a future. I’m hoping for more than what I have going on right now. And sometimes that hope borders on discontentment, but I think it looks more like ….exactly what the question asks- being hopeful. Hopeful that God has more planned for me.
It took me a while to fully realize it- but yes, God is completely worthy. I know I can trust Him
Oh, this speaks to my tension. The tension of a patient, long
I am hoping for a sign from God today to give me direction about where my path is leading. I feel a big change coming and I want to know whether or not God is signing off on this new chapter and mission. I don’t want to do anything without his blessing. God, you are more than worthy of my hope. You are my only hope. I love you Lord. I’m expectant of a sign and of positive changes to come! Father, I pray for all of these people in the comments facing such difficult struggles. May you be with them and give them peace. In Jesus name, amen.
I am hoping that my children will grow up knowing how much GOD loves them.
relief for Ukraine
yes!!