Hope is an optimistic anticipation that something good is about to happen!  For a Christian, hope launches and energizes your faith into action.  Until hope is in place, faith does not work.  Hope is the sustainer of faith; it keeps faith going strong even when the miracle seems to be delayed (Romans 4:18).  A hopeless person will never accomplish anything in life... without hope faith is helpless.
 
Keep your hope alive!  Even when everything seems to be lost, don't lose hope.  When there is nothing else to hold on to in terms of human support, resources or position, hold on to hope itself.  If you have tried several times and have not achieved your goal, still remain hopeful!  Something good is coming your way!
 
As we go into 2010, here are some simple ways to keep your hope alive:
 
· STOP COUNTING YOUR FAILURES.  Instead of rehearsing all the areas you have failed, count your opportunities.  The more you count your failures, setbacks and trials, the more discouraged you become.  A hopeful man says, "I don't care how many times I have tried and failed in the past, this time I am getting it!"
 
· SPEAK TO YOUR SITUATION ALWAYS.  Encourage yourself.  Talk to yourself.  "My situation will not always be what it is now.  Things will soon change for the better.  I am still under construction and all things, including the obviously contrary, are working together for my good" (Romans 8:28).
 
· STAY IN THE WORD.  When you see yourself getting depressed, it means hopelessness is trying to arrest you, and you should free yourself immediately by going for the Word of God.  God's Word is the book of Hope; it helps you to look up from where you are to where you ought to be.
 
If you practice these, you are sure to keep your hope alive, your faith active and obtain God's best for you.
 
HAVE A BLESSED CHRISTMAS.