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HOPE

Janis Van Keuren
     “I lift up my eyes to the hills–where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121: 1-2 NIV
     I’ve never quite jumped on the bandwagon of finding one word that I thought would describe the Lord’s focus for my life each year. Perhaps I never sought the Lord for that one thing He hoped to accomplish in me or that I hoped would change in my life. Perhaps I misinterpreted the idea of finding one word as contrived or as a sign of a super-spiritual group of Christians who were on a higher level than I.

     In my earlier years as a Christian, I do not recall the emphasis on finding one word that would be my focus for the new year. However, I do remember one New Year’s Eve when we attended a gathering of our Christian fellowship where each of us picked a tiny scroll-like paper tied in ribbon from a decorated basket. The opened scroll was intended to reveal a Scripture verse that possibly would whisper the Spirit’s voice to our hearts–to that secret area of our hearts that could only be touched by the Lord. My verse involved humility. I was hoping that my uncoiled scroll would carry the promise of the hope of answered prayer for a much desired child.
     However, the Lord wanted to reach deeper and farther into my life. That verse on humility and the spiritual work that would be required whispered to my heart for years to come. It stretched into every area of my life and I often found myself asking the Lord to accomplish His work in this weak vessel. Removing  the pride is an unending work.
     When, I saw the Faith Barista’s call for “the word” each of us was pursuing this year–or being pursued by the Spirit in us, I heard in my heart the whisperings that had been drowned out by so much disconcordant noise.
     HOPE~I needed HOPE for this year. HOPE to give me strength, HOPE to give me trust, HOPE to know that God is in control when my world is spinning out of MY control. The Lord wanted to give me HOPE to sustain me.
     Gone were the doubts of why people picked a “word” for each new year. I knew in my heart that God had a word for me this year.

     “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 

     Interestingly enough, a close friend of mine started a jewelry business last year and felt impressed by the Lord to have business cards made with the above Scripture. Her hope has always been in the Lord and she trusts Him in this new endeavor that He has established before her.

     Throughout this year, I will be looking for nuggets of wisdom concerning the HOPE the Lord is offering me.

From My Heart to Yours,
Linking with Faith Barista 

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Comments

HOPE — 10 Comments

  1. May your year be anchored in the God of hope! May you be aware as he fills you with peace and the power of the Holy Spirit! Such a strong and gracious verse.

    • Sheryl~thank you for your visit and your prayer that my year will be anchored in the God of hope. I desire to notice His peace and the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in my life. May God bless you.
      Janis

  2. Janis, it looks like God has already begun to give you hope. I have watched you in the past few months give up some of the struggle and realize it is God’s problem. It isn’t easy. As a friend once told me, “It is the death of a dream”. But it was my dream not necessarily God’s. I have been a long time in realizing God knows what He is doing, and I don’t have to manipulate the situation. I can sit back and trust. I continually have to remind myself that He is my Only hope.

  3. Hi Janis,

    This would be a good word for me also. Trust would run a very close second.

    My verse seems to be “I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength” – I just have to really believe it.

    God Bless – Nita

  4. What a perfect word for 2013; HOPE! I love that word for you Janis. So glad you are moving forward with hope. We can have hope because of who we belong to. He is our hope.

    Blessings and love,
    Debbie

    PS. My word is SURRENDER.

    • Debbie, it’s so good to have you visit again. He is our Hope especially in the darkest hour.

      I like your word, “Surrender” and your references to Catherine Marshall’s books in your post. She was a great Spirit-filled writer.

      Janis

  5. Janis, I pray for HOPE for you this year. I know some of the struggles that have been in your life, and I just know that God *whispered* this word to you – I know this is what He will bring to your heart this coming year.

    The word that He gave to me was DIRECTION. It’s been difficult adjusting to my new mountain home. I have wondered why He *removed* me from all things and people familiar. So…I found it comforting that He will make this a year of direction for me. I need it!

    I join you with HOPE for God’s continuing Presence in the midst of our struggles, and for DIRECTION into His purposes.

    GOD BLESS!

  6. “I had in my heart the whisperings that had been drowned out…” Janis, I feel so honored to receive your One Word HOPE, as the Lord gently laid this word on your heart again. I am feeling better today and wanted to make sure I visit again to let you know how you blessed our faith jam.. and me with your voice… and your heart. *hugs*

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