HOPE
Psalm 39:7 And now Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You.
Psalm 71:5 You are my hope, O LORD God; You are my trust from my youth.Now hope does not disappoint
Jeremiah 17:7 Blessed is the man that trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord is.
Romans 5:3- 5 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, charactier; and cahracter, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our heaerts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Ephesians 4:4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one LORD, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
1 John 3:2, 3 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is, And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.
HOPE. . . . He Offers Peace Eternal
How blessed we are to know good times, and to know God and what His plans are for us. Well, I don’t always know His plans, other than that “they are good and to prosper me and not to harm me.” So that is a wonderful hope to hold onto tightly.
I have always enjoyed the benefits of being an American. During my growing years, we were the #1 country, and led the world as the country who would go in and help another country in its trouble, and most other countries turned to us, respected us. And, I did not know a lot about other countries then, but I remember being proud to be an American and wanted to do my part, whatever that might be as I got older and gained responsibility.
I was very self centered then and cannot imagine doing without as so many others throughout the world routinely do. It was a huge surprise to learn of the unrest and starvation of many—Ethiopia, Kenya, and the abuse within. It was then I realized there are many in this world who have little hope. That was an uncomfortable realization since I always had an abundance (even if parents had said no to things, I had plenty!). But there were horrible, terrible things causing people to suffer—hunger, no or little clothing, no real home protection, and certainly no hope. Guilt was a big part of the horror I felt looking at those forlorn children, suffering and hungry and getting little relief. HOw could we (as a neighborhood, a family, a community, state, country. . .) let this continue? And there were many who were trying to help these horrifc situations. But I was so thankful, but I knew hope. I knew hope in many various, but positive forms.
I wanted a new something—fill in any blank. I may have been told no, but knew I would eventually get something, not just materialistic; I would reach the age when yes, now you can start dating; yes, now you can go for your license and start driving with learners permit and parental assist. . . Always I had hope, and never experienced not having appropriate clothing—winter and snow gear, boots, a few paris of mittens and hats, and the knowledge of probably hot chocolate or soup, and warm clothing, hot bath, and snuggly jammies when you got in, with all the electricty working and the furnace on so house was toasty. I had never had to really hope for something intangible and life sustaining. My hopes were all self centered and mostly selfish.
Becoming a Christian, well, that’s been a process. Certainly, I found it hard to believe that by proclaiming sins and confessing Jesus as Lord and Savior and following His word was enough. I must have to never swear, never say another unkind thing, must never do . . . It could NOT be enough to believe, confess and then be saved. So, like most, I struggled to do better—failing and then guffering that guilt—then asking for help to succeed, failing again, and vicious cycle. Always having hope, but not fully knowing I was saved without working toward any goal to achieve my salvation. It was a done deal. I do strive to be better than I was, but now it is because I would love to be able to emulate His love to others.
In our country, although things are changing and many folks are criticizing Christians, there is still hope here. I cannot imagine a country like many, China and so forth who want to deny there is a God who has arranged our eternal salvation, and has blessed us. But there are countries where it is forbidden, and there are missionaries passing the word of HOPE to those residents. My hope and prayer is this country will never see the free word of God withheld from our residents. Our Lord is mighty and can smight this as He is always in charge. This country was founded by many who sought religious freedoms, the right to proclaim God is the only sovereign Creator, and there are no others; and He alone, with His Son and the Holy Spirit, the trinity of God are alone to be honored and glorified.
They left their native lands with HOPE for a new life and the ability to honor and serve and love Him as they believed was right. Lord, I am blessed I never really had to HOPE for anything that was not easily provided such as Your daily bread, Your living word and life giving Water, and Your directional Light and guidance. Thank You for the blessings You have heaped on me and ‘mybellaviews.’
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