The cascading effects left from Sandy’s wrath remind us of things beyond our control that touch our lives. Unexpectedly.
Media pummels our peace with images and bad news, and on top of it all rests our own circumstances. It’s easy to feel hopeless at times, isn’t it?
The Bible is filled with heroes who wanted to quit in the middle of their crisis. Job and Jonah come to mind. I can identify. Sometimes desperation is the means to have us seek God. It wakes us up.
When we wake up . . . we open our eyes.
I’ve been a mom for a long time, and a gramma for half a long time. My children have troubles. My grandchildren have troubles. I believe every one of them would agree they’ve seen me continue to hope in hopeless situations. Yet, I have wrestled with tomorrow for me and for them.
It steals sleep and peace.
So, what can I do? Hope. Not a hope-so, but a hope-in.
When we look to ourselves, we have no hope. There is no power in a 401K, and we can’t put our hand up to stop the cataclysmic.
There is only one sovereign Controller, and all is under Him . . . like it or not, know it or not.
The word hope means “a favorable and confident expectation.” It has to do with the unseen and the future. Do you have a confident expectation for today, tomorrow, next week, next year(s)?
Where can it be found? Hidden in God’s letter to us, naked and unconcealed. Signed in redemption blood. Hope available.
So, I write this morning to encourage your heart . . . and my own, to rehearse the sacred.
Remember Your word to Your servant in which You have made me hope. Psalm 119:49
But I will hope continually and will praise You yet more and more. Psalm 71:14
Though He slay me, I will hope in Him. Job 13:15
For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
Verna
Marlene Bagnull says
“Not a hope-so, but a hope-in.” Thanks much, Verna, for this powerful word.
verna says
We need to coach one another . . . thank you for coaching me many times!
Tammie Buckwalter says
Amen sister, amen.
verna says
So glad you stopped by, Tammie . . . just to say amen (one of my favorite words!) Miss you!
Sue says
Dear Verna…Thank you for such lovely words of encouragement!
vernabowman says
. . . and thank you for stopping by and for your words of encouragement, Sue!
melodylowes says
‘Rehearse the sacred…’ I like that. 🙂 I need a lot of rehearsals – I’m forgetful!
verna says
Me, too! Thank you, Melody for your faithful visits and comments!
celestevaughan says
I can’t imagine living in our world today without the hope of eternal life with Jesus! Great post Verna!
verna says
I can’t either. If not for the assurance of something so much greater, where would there be hope for any of us? Thanks for stopping by, Celeste. Sure do miss you!
Glenda Mills says
Verna,
Thanks for this wonderful post and reminder about the Hope we have in Jesus and His promises. Hope springs eternal in our hearts. To God be the Glory!
love you,
Glenda
vernabowman says
The eternal hope . . . thank you, Glenda. Grateful for your comments and friendship, dear lady!