“H.O.P.E.” is an acronym meaning, Hold on Pain Ends.
My wife, Bonnie and I watch the show “American Idol”. This year there is a fifteen-year-old boy named Triston Harpe from Alabama. He wrote and performed a song he called “H.O.P.E.” It turns out this acronym has been used by Christian artist For and King and Country as well.
For me, “H.O.P.E” and its meaning points to a profound truth about life itself.
You see, holding on through the pain of life is something many people deal with on a regular basis. The trauma people face through loss, hurt and disappointment cannot be discounted or discarded.
The reality folks are hurting is easily seen in today’s world.
Abuse, addictions and heartaches are all around us and there seems to be no hope in sight for so many. In writing this, I want to emphasize to anyone dealing with these types of issues the need to “H.O.P.E” or hold on pain ends.
I am not naïve, and I know these are just words when said from someone who is not experiencing what another may be facing. But I also know the truth that comes from these words.
To hold on simply means not to give up, press on, stand firm, and believe something better is ahead for you. The pain you are facing will end, even though it may not seem like it ever will.
Here is where we must just find a way to push through the pain life can create.
How do we do that? How do we press on, stand firm, and push through in a world that is constantly telling us we cannot? We do so by realizing there is a way, and we are not alone.
That way is Jesus. You see, He experienced pain and suffering firsthand. He demonstrated the “H.O.P.E or hold on pain ends” perspective as He gave His life on the Cross for you and me.
The beatings, ridicule and animosity heaped on Him is no doubt the way many feel in their lives today. Yet, we can all take heart because His example showed us there is more to this life than what those around us may try to convince us there is.
There is joy when the pain ends, there is peace when the pain ends and there is freedom when the pain ends. We just need to hold on.
My prayer today is for anyone who may read this and is struggling with a hurt, pain or difficulty they believe no one can understand; you are not alone. “H.O.P.E”.
Although we decide whether we believe that is true. I just want you to know Jesus’ example proves there is a way to overcome anything the world brings our way.
He is the “Way, the Truth and the Life.” So, remember, “H.O.P.E, Hold on Pain Ends” when your relationship with Him begins!
Romans 5:2-5, “And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we[c] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
