My Hope Comes From Him
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| Winter’s Deep Freeze Has Left the Branches Bare |
My hope has been placed in so many things, in so many people. I depended on circumstances, or well-thought-out plans, maybe a job, but most especially a particular person in whatever season of my life on which to hang my hope. If whatever I was hoping for would come to pass, then I knew I would be at peace and filled with joy.
But time and again, whatever I had hoped in would bring satisfaction momentarily and then that situation would either crumble or the person prove to be imperfect, human, unreliable. And like a blustery winter wind that strips the trees of their last autumn leaves, my hope would be ripped away once again.
Sometimes, what I had hoped for would last for a season and I would snuggle into the comfort of having that which I most desired wrapped securely around me. However, while enjoying that one thing I had so hoped would yield peace and joy in my life, another problem would arise in my life. Now I was juggling two or more circumstances that needed to exist in my life so that I had hope.
For a long time and through many people, the Lord has been pulling me toward the truth about HOPE.
In Him alone will I find a steady HOPE. A HOPE that will not waver with the circumstances in my life nor the people or seasons of my life. It will not be easy to let go of my other hopes. And it will not be pain free. I will cry as I realize what I so desired to give me hope is just a passing vapor. And I will struggle as I still fight to hang my hope on that which can never satisfy.
In Him alone is my HOPE.
“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my HOPE comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God ; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.”
Psalm 61:5-8 NIV
The leaves of autumn may have been blown away with my dreams, but may my soul rest in God alone for He is my HOPE.
How have you found Hope? In the darkest pit or on the mountaintop?
Still Counting the Gifts and Joys as I keep my eyes on the real Hope:
937) Hugs and compassion from oldest son
938) Insight from the Lord on how to help the kids I teach
939) Joy internal~not caused by outward circumstances
940) Freezing temps and wrapped in coats, scarves and gloves that resembled “Nanook of the North”
941) Bare branches stripped of last weeks autumn leaves stand stark but strong against the blue sky
942) Seeing teachers from my old school
943) Answered prayer in hearing from the Ombudsman of my son’s ship~peace of mind
944) An email at last from our youngest son who is deployed on a Navy vessel
945) Visiting with friends
946) Two solid nights of sleep
947) Lord, your Word, Your Peace, Your Love that turned my bitter heart around
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I most often find hope in the Word… I don’t trust my thoughts, my feelings, but I do trust His Word.
Blessings!
Sounds like you have a sure foundation!
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis
Hi Janis
I have and do struggle with Hope and Faith, I need to be constantly reminded to look to the Lord and His Word and not circumstances.
Take Care and Many Blessings – Nita
Nita~Learning to lean on His Word more than my own thoughts these days.
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis
Oh I was wondering how your youngest son was doing. So good to read your blessings list. And yes Janis, I agree that our hope must be in the Lord. I’ve had too many things or people let me down over the years. We can’t expect to be fulfilled in anything or anyone but our Lord. I loved your post!
Blessings and love,
Debbie
Beautiful!!!!!!
Ceal
Hi Janis…
Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment!
Your post today describes RIGHT where I am 🙂
I’m so glad to have found you…am looking forward to reading more.
Debi
It’s sometimes a hard lesson to learn…. But YES our Hope is in the Lord!! So great to “meet” you here! Thanks for linking up. Your photo is beautiful. And I love your blessings list!!!
Blessings Janis,
I used to struggle as you describe in your post. I used to hope in all things and when things start falling apart, I realize my hope was not in Him and now I know it has to be…there is no option.
Nancy
In answer to your question, I have found hope by looking steadily into God’s Word, and choosing to believe His changeless Truth.
I look at His character, and not my circumstances – and choose to believe that He loves me, and He is perfectly good.
He is the HOPE that steadies and sustains me through the stormiest weather in my life.
GOD BLESS!
HOPE was my word for the year a couple of years back. This year’s is TRUST. Love your list, especially the last one. Two and a half months ago, I went through some intense forgiveness towards someone. I haven’t had one migraine or fibromyalgia episode since. I was having them once or twice a week! Praise God!
Hi dear Janis
I linked after you at Morning Moments and am glad to meet you! This is my first visit to your blog and I love the way you compare earthly hope with autumn leaves being stripped away by the wind. Yes, dear one, that is what happens when the wind of adversity strips our hearts off the hope in earthly things.
Much love XX
Mia
Thank you for this. Our hope is in Him. Where else can we go?