Hope for the hopeless

Hope just might be the most frequently used word these days. It can be found in a vast majority of news headlines and overheard during many everyday coffee house conversations. It is even used in ways which make the most skeptical and pessimistic individual raise an eye brow in wonder. Hope for justice. Hope for peace. Hope for prosperity. Hope for everything…
In the center, amidst an abundance of idealistic anticipation lays the newest addition of the American legacy, President Barak Obama. Although most would agree he is made of mere flesh and blood, many would be hard-pressed to end their description there. Lets just say this man is not your everyday Joe. In the opinion of many, President Obama is the long awaited savoir of sorts and is viewed as the cure for our countries dire circumstances.
However, without coming across as cynical or critical of this “hope”, I can’t help but wonder what people will do if our new President falls through. Many American citizens, hopeful as they are, expect some very specific results from this man, in a fairly short timeframe. My question is, what happens if he is unable to provide these promises we’ve so anxiously awaited? What then?

Psalm 146 3-10:
“Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever; who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free; the LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous. The LORD watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin. The LORD will reign forever, your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the LORD!”

My goal in writing this is not to demean anyone who is excited about our upcoming President, because I am also optimistic. On the other hand, I believe it’s very important for believers to consistently remind ourselves that we truly have a reliable source for hope. One that cannot be diminished or enhanced but is the cornerstone of our faith.
We should always keep in mind the words of the Apostle Paul when he said: “what seen is temporal but what is unseen is eternal.” Men are always subject to a higher authority, and it is this authority which is worthy of our trust and hope.