THREADS OF HOPE

A few weeks ago, I attended a Bible Discovery Group in Florida. That evening one of the attendees talked about President Obama's speech and how it gave him hope. I too was recalling that thread of hope his words rang in my spirit. I pray this is true. For if anything, Americans need to have hope for the future, hope that all is well with the economy, their families, and all is well with their souls!

 

David proclaimed in Psalms 33:22 "May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord even as we put our hope in you" In verse 18 it reads "Behold the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love. RSV Proverbs 13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.

 

All these scriptures are for the believer, one who has hope in the Lord and trusts He will come through. Aw, the tree of life that lives within—the Christ. He is our Hope of Glory. He alone creates life. To me He is my everlasting Hope, the anchor to my soul so that I will not sway. When the tides get rocky, I cling to that Hope!—that allows me to grow my faith.

 

Mica 7:7 NIV But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.

 

This scripture reminds me that I just do not leave our country or my life to fate. I shall watch in hope knowing by faith that the Lord will hear my prayers. This is an action we all can take. Watching does not mean doing nothing. It is the action of PRAYING and knowing that those prayers change circumstances. And when my footing begins to slip, for the way is filled with ice (deception, manipulation, lies), I recite—I call to mind those blessings of past and those at present to spring hope within my soul. To hold a smiling child, watch a young couple purchase their first home, to watch an older couple embrace, and families laugh and love their companionship, to sing and dance, yes, and even wave a flag in church. To hear some speak of the Lord moving in their lives. These things give me hope. Feel free to share those things that give you hope!

 

 Lamentation 3:21NIV this I call to mind and therefore I have hope

 

It is not enough to recite memorize scripture, and recite it. We need an experience of those scriptures becoming real in our lives. Lord I pray we can be a testimony to these and other scriptures so that we may be a forceful light in a dark world.

 

Romans 5:3-5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

 

To encourage you and prompt you in the ways of HOPE, I leave you with these words from Job.

 

And you will have confidence, because there is hope; you will be protected and take your rest in safety. Job 11:18 RVS