The living Lord gives us hope that makes us glad.

 

We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:2b)

 

One benefit of knowing the resurrected Christ is that it gives us hope. Without hope, living turns into despair.

The way we receive hope is by getting to know Jesus Christ personally and to have a living relationship with him. This is how we also come to know who he really is.

 

And we come to know God’s nature and character when we truly get to know Jesus. We discover that God is faithful. We discover that God loves us. By looking at the great sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, we understand more of the depth of God's love for us. We also come to understand that God has a plan for our lives.

 

This knowledge gives us true, heartfelt hope. It brings a certainty that my future is secure in Christ. Whatever happens, nothing can change my God given destiny.

 

Hope brings back gladness into my life. This is why Paul could say in Rom 5:2 that we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Joy and rejoicing in God are simply part of our faith.

Psalm 16 says, "You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand."

 

God's salvation brings peace. God's grace brings acceptance. God's hope brings gladness. My happiness in the risen Lord lasts for all eternity.