Hope
Reflections by the SeaBetsy Ore Glass
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. –Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
There is the little child that resides in
each of us. In our pockets we tuck away our special hopes and dreams. Some we
may share with others and some we may keep to ourselves. One definition for
hope is to look forward with confidence or expectation and desire. To live a
life that is full of hope improves our outlook. Having a childlike faith that
carries hope in our hearts at any age is life-giving. God knows the desires of
our heart as he probes our heart each day.
We are taught to hope for the best in all
situations. Easier said than done? Yes! Fear gets into the mix to steal our joy
and our hope at times. Or even disappointment can eat away at our hope. But with
God all things are possible. That can be easily forgotten when we run up
against obstacles. Our hope sometimes fades away when we are told all the
reasons something won’t happen or it won’t work as we had envisioned. Or we
have waited a long time and nothing seems to be happening to make our wishes materialize.
But never lose hope. Hope gives us something to live for, to look forward to. Hope
gives sweetness to life. Sweet hope is stronger than the bitterness that creeps
in. We can dream big and hope for much. The
Believer aims to have a heart of hope rooted in faith at all times. Whatever
hopes are the desires of your heart, be expectant. Rise above disappointments
and discouragement. Today could be the day that your hopes bear fruit. Be
strong and take heart, all you who hope
in the Lord. –Psalm 31:24 NIV
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