The Gift of Hope

If the Lord tarries, by Christmas our nation will have weathered a brutal political election cycle. We will have a new president-elect who will usher in a new administration. But in a world of corruption, confusion, conflict and chaos, change can be unsettling. Unnerving. Which is why God’s gift of Hope seems more precious and priceless than ever.

I. GOD WILL RESTORE US

Joel 2:18-27

Describe briefly the reasons God’s people needed restoration, from Joel 1:6, 10-12, 16-20. While Joel is describing the effects of a locust plague, what else could this symbolize?

In what way does the church today need to be restored? In what way do you need to be restored?

What moves the heart of God to restore His people? Joel 2:18; Psalm 72:12-14.

How does 2 Chronicles 7:13-15 specifically relate to the condition of God’s people?

Give the phrase in Joel 2:19 that indicates God kept His promise and answered His people’s prayers.

Compare the following verses that reveal the difference a restored right relationship with God makes in a nation: Joel 1:10-11 with 2:19; 1:5, 8, 11, 12 with 2:21, 23; 1:9 with 2:25-27.

Name some of the blessings that result when an individual is restored in a right relationship with God. Psalm 14:7; 23:1-3; 53:6; 32:1-5.

What have the “locusts” eaten in your life? Apply Joel 2:25 to yourself. What missed opportunities, spiritually wasted days, sinful acts and attitudes are in your past?

What hope does Joel 2:25 give you? This Christmas, would you receive God’s gift of hope by claiming His promise of restoration in Joel 2:25 for yourself in prayer?

II. GOD WILL REVIVE US

Joel 2:28-29

Who is the source of true revival? Joel 2:28-29.

Is revival something we can “do” or produce? If not, why?

Who will experience revival according to Joel 2:28-29?

When does the Bible first introduce us to the Spirit, and what was His role at that time? Genesis 1:1-3.

What incredible promises did Jesus make concerning this same Spirit? John 14:16-17; John 16:13-15; Acts 1:8.

What is one obvious result of the fullness of the Spirit’s presence in our lives? Joel 2:28; John 15:26; Acts 4:31. What is the evidence in your life?

This Christmas, as you receive God’s gift of hope, ask Him to make obvious to others the Spirit’s revival in your life.

III. GOD WILL RETURN FOR US

Joel 2:30-3:16

Describe the Lord’s return, from Joel 3:16; Revelation 19:11-16; Zechariah 14:3-4.

How do we know God will return for us in the person of His Son? John 14:1-3; Acts 1:10-11.

What signals will God send to alert us that His return is imminent? Joel 2:31-32; Matthew 24:29; Luke 21:25.

How are we to respond to the hope of His return? Luke 21:28; Matthew 24:42, 44; 2 Peter 3:14; Titus 2:11-15.

This Christmas, as you receive His gift of hope, what will you do to keep hope alive in your heart by watching for Him? By working for Him?

IV. GOD WILL RESIDE WITH US

Joel 3:17-21

What similar phrase in Joel 3:17-21 appears twice?

What additional information do the following verses give? Revelation 21:3-4; 22:1-5.

What do you think the fountain of water symbolizes in Joel 3:18?

Give characteristics of the river, and its impact, from Revelation 22:1-2; Zechariah 14:8; Ezekiel 47:1-5; John 4:10-14; 7:37-39.

Compare Joel 2:9-10 with Isaiah 2:2-4; 11:4-9. What differences are there between when man rules, and when God rules and resides among us?

What is one response we should have to the hope of living with Him? Revelation 22:17, 20.

Give valid reasons for believing the truth of these promises: 1 Kings 8:56; Psalm 119:140; 145:13; Revelation 21:5; 22:6.

This Christmas would you make time to thank God for the thrilling hope that one day we will live in the Home of our dreams … a Home where He is?

Which of the above promises is most meaningful to you, and why?

Two thousand years ago, God gave us His gift of Hope in the form of a tiny Baby wrapped in swaddling clothes. A Baby who was the incarnation of God, the fulfillment of all of God’s promises. A Baby who demonstrated by His birth, life, death and resurrection that God is committed to us. We are not cosmic accidents going nowhere. Human history has purpose and meaning and will one day be summed up in the Baby who is now Lord and King—Jesus.

This article is adapted from a study originally published in December 2016.

Anne Graham Lotz has proclaimed God’s Word worldwide for more than 40 years. Her latest book, which she co-authored with her daughter Rachel-Ruth Wright, is Preparing to Meet Jesus—Moving From Salvation to Transformation. It can be ordered from major booksellers online.