Wow! What a week! My thoughts, emotions and hope are at a much different place than they were this time last week (Monday, November 7th). For the Americans reading this…you will totally get what I mean. How things can change so quickly!
As we each individually process what is taking place around us, as well as we enter into the holidays before us, my mind keeps going to one word. HOPE. We need it. We cannot live without it. Our soul shrivels up if we don’t have it. Regardless of how you voted, what you believe or what your journey with God looks like, we all need HOPE. One thing we can all agree on. But where do we find it?
Today, I read a Scripture that renewed my heart….
”May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing (through the experience of your faith) that by the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope.” Romans 15:13 Amplified Version
Hope means a feeling of expectation or desire for something to happen.
** helps us stay on course regardless of the circumstances.
** Biblical hope finds its roots in God. His goodness, His mercy, His love, His power.
** enables us to endure patiently.
** our hope is nurtured as we read His Word and trust in His character.
As believers, it cannot be just “wishing” for something to happen. Our hope lies in the Word of God that says He is trustworthy and cannot lie. (Hebrews 6:18) And it is staying so connected in relationship with God that we know He knows us…..He loves us….He desires His best for us…..a concrete solid hope. There is life beyond our current circumstances.
Hope leads us into faith…a faith that cannot be moved by circumstances or what the eyes see because…. an unseen God is seen in His faithfulness. Today, tomorrow, next year, regardless of what our circumstances are, we cannot lose hope. I may not be able to see it....or hold it in my hand....but in my heart and mind, I have to nurture the hope that only comes by faith.
I’ve been a bit somber, sad and lagging in my hope recently due to some prayers not being answered, or at least they are taking a long time in being answered. The way I want them to be answered. I’ve literally sat with open hands to God releasing my hopes, desires and wants…..that no matter what it looks like, I know Him and I know He knows exactly where I am at. What my hopes are. (And they are good hopes, good prayers, not selfish but good for others). And He knows best how to feed that hope and how in His timing He will answer. Patience as hope waters my soul. Patience as joy begins to seep in and take over. Hope urges me to wait confidently for Him to act. Faith leading to hope….leading to LOVE - which is the one word that describes God to a “T”. This ancient hope....still lives NOW and in the very center of our lives, if we make room for Him.
Today, this week, this coming holiday season - have HOPE; we have an eternal future. (interruption...side note....as I am typing this....just now.....I received a phone call with some disappointing news. A prayer answer is "no". Or at least not now.) My heart is a bit heavy to be honest. BUT I stand by everything I've just written. He is HOPE and I will continue to TRUST and HOPE. (I may have a little cry, but mixed amongst the tears is hope.)
"No one has ever experienced unfaithfulness on God's part!" (Henry Blackaby, Experiencing God)
"Lord, no eye has seen, no ear has heard what you have prepared for those who love you. Thank you for being a Loving Father and for all your faithfulness in our lives. Help us to wait and to watch. Help us to trust and believe. YOU are our HOPE and our Strength! As the disciple Peter said, "Lord, to whom shall we go? YOU ALONE HAVE THE WORDS OF ETERNAL LIFE." AMEN.
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