Tag Archives: Hope

Feb19

Yet I will Rejoice

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Even though the fig trees have no blossoms,
and there are no grapes on the vines;
even though the olive crop fails,
and the fields lie empty and barren;
even though the flocks die in the fields,
and the cattle barns are empty…
yet I will rejoice in the LORD!
I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
The Sovereign LORD is my strength!
He makes me as surefooted as a deer,
able to tread upon the heights.

Habakkuk 3:17 – 19 NIV


When you feel overwhelmed by the weight of problems bearing down on you from all sides or if your troubles seem to be more that you can handle, remember that you can still find joy in our LORD, and that joy is actually your source of strength.

“Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 NIV

We are not controlled by the circumstances swirling around our lives. As children of God, we have a source of unlimited strength within us to endure any trial we face. He will give us surefooted confidence to place one foot in front of the other as we tread through the deepest valleys. You will run like a swift deer through dangerous and rough terrain.

Instead of focusing on your difficulties, look to God and rejoice in Him. Your troubles will pale in comparison to the light of His glory. Trust Him with any situation in life, and you will find confidence and hope in the darkest of days.

Jul1

Peace for Today

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Peace I leave with you;

My peace I give you.

I do not give to you as the world gives.

Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

John 14:27 (NIV1984)

 

Worrying does not take away tomorrow’s troubles;

It takes away today’s peace.

(Author unknown)

 

Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7 (NIV1984)

 


 

Mar4

Step into the Water

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“When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests, who are Levites, carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it.

Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before…”

Joshua 3:3-4

The Ark of the Covenant was a symbol of God’s presence and power to the Israelites. It was their most sacred treasure. The ark was a golden rectangular box which was constructed to the exact specifications as God had commanded. The contents inside the ark included the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments (representing God’s authority), a jar of manna (representing God’s miraculous provision), and Aaron’s staff (representing God’s power). As the Israelites were heading to the Promised Land, they were commanded to follow the ark wherever it was carried by the priests. God instructed Joshua, the Israelite’s leader, concerning which direction the priests should head with the ark.

On the day that the Israelites entered the Promised Land of Canaan after forty years of wandering, God’s “roadmap” for the priests with the ark led to the banks of the Jordan River. The Jordan River at this time was at flood stage. Yet with the river overflowing its banks, God gave these specific instructions: in order to cross the river into the Promised Land, the priests had to step into the water with the ark.

As soon as the priests stepped their feet into the raging river, the water from upstream stopped flowing. The entire nation of Israel walked across a dry riverbed into the land which God had promised them forty years before. This was the second time in which God had miraculously parted the waters for the nation of Israel. This testimony of God’s supernatural power served to strengthen the Israelites faith in God and remind them that He keeps His promises. His presence was with them through their entire journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. He was with them at the end of their wanderings just like He was with them from the very beginning.

Today we do not have a golden “Ark of the Covenant” to follow in our wanderings. But we do have God’s word, His presence, and His power. Sometimes in our journey through life, we come upon a “raging river” or some form of roadblock. When we approach this type of obstacle, we must trust God in His guidance to us. He will faithfully bring us through to the other side if we simply “take a step into the water.” Often God provides no solution to our problems until we trust Him and move ahead with what we know in our hearts we should do. By taking a step of obedience, we display our faith in God, and then He clears the path ahead.

What are the “raging rivers” you are facing in your life? Follow God’s direction so you will know which way to go, “since you have never been this way before.” Step into the water, and allow God to show his powerful and miraculous ways to you.

Your Word is a lamp to my feet
       and a light for my path.

Psalm 119:105


Feb19

Lessons from Unanswered Questions

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“…As you know we consider blessed those who have persevered.

You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen

What the Lord finally brought about.”

James 5: 10, 11 (NIV 2005)

We live in an age of “instant” everything. With microwaves and drive-through windows, we can place a meal on our tables within minutes. Cable news networks and satellites allow us to view up-to-the-minute reports on stories happening around the world. Laptops and smartphones allow us to have the internet at our fingertips almost anywhere we travel, so the answers to most questions can be found with a quick query of our favorite search engine. GPS devices allow us to find directions instantaneously. Emails and Texts allow us send messages instantly. Weather conditions can be determined by a quick search of a “Weather Radar Ap.” Medicine provides prompt relief to pain, indigestion, cold symptoms, fever, sleeplessness, etc… Even common medical problems can sometimes be “diagnosed” quickly by entering symptoms into web based medical sites.

Because of all these technetronic advances, we have become conditioned to receiving almost anything we need in an instant. As a result, we have also lost the ability to wait. Above all else, we expect an immediate cure or solution for anything that causes us pain or discomfort ~ from toothaches to heartbreaks and everything in between. However, there are some things in life that don’t have instant answers. Despite all the tremendous advances in science, technology and medicine, we still live in a world where many people suffer.

Job was a wealthy landowner and successful businessman who had a wonderful family and home. He was a man of faith and was known for his generosity and care for others. The Bible describes him as “blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” He was living a very happy and fulfilling life when tragedy struck. In an instant, his ten children were swept away by a windstorm, in an instant his land, crops, livestock and servants were destroyed by raiding bandits and a lightning storm, and in an instant he lost everything he had through no fault of his own. To make matters even worse, Job was struck with painful sores all over his body.

Job experienced both extreme physical pain and gut-wrenching grief over the loss of his family and possessions. He was at a crossroads in his walk of faith. He could blame God, curse Him and give up, or he could choose to trust God for strength to carry on. Job was forced to return to the basics of his faith in God. Throughout his story a common theme emerges: Job acknowledged the sovereign authority of God, but he wanted to understand the why behind his suffering. For a period of time, he allowed his desire to understand why he was suffering to overwhelm him and make him question God. 

Job didn’t expect an instant cure for his pain and suffering, but he did become frustrated over not knowing why he was suffering, expecially when he was sure he had done nothing to deserve this sort of punishment.  He wanted to know the answer to the age-old question, “Why do bad things happen to good people?”  Even though God didn’t answer his question instantly, Job did perservere in his faith.  When God, who knows everything, finally spoke to Job, He did not provide him with the answer.  Instead He pointed out an important lesson:  It is better to know our Heavenly Father than to know the answers to all our questions.

 

Sometimes suffering is shaping us for service to others. Often we face consequences of bad decisions, and we suffer through correction or discipline. And, yes, there are times when we won’t know why we are suffering.  We may never know why bad things happen to good people or why innocent children have to suffer, but no matter what the reason for our pain, instead of getting caught up in wanting an instant answer to the question of “why” we are suffering, we should respond by digging our roots deeper into God. By doing so, we can weather any type of storm we may face. God is not caught off guard by any of our problems, and He can help us withstand any trial we face in life.

 Trust in God and not in your circumstances and remember the important lesson from Job’s life:  Knowing God is superior to knowing all the answers.

 

Feb16

Wonderful Works

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As you do not know the path of the wind

Or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb,

So you cannot understand the work of God,

The Maker of all things.

Ecclesiastes 11:5

 

Dear Lord,

“I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.” (Ps 139: 14 – 16) Amen.

Trust your Creator with all the intricate details of your life.
He knows each chapter in the book of your life, and He knows the purpose for which he made you. You are never hidden from Him…He’s with you every step of the way.

Feb13

Our Awesome God

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By the word of the LORD were the heavens made,

Their starry host by the breath of his mouth.

He gathers the waters of the sea into jars;

He puts the deep into storehouses.

Let all the earth fear the LORD,

For He spoke and it came to be…

Psalm 33:6 – 9

The same God, who spoke and created the heavens, handcrafted each one of us. We are all “one-of-a-kind” and special to Him. He watches over us and knows every single detail of our lives. He’s grand enough to hold the world in His hands, but he’s caring enough to count each hair on our heads and keep a record of each teardrop that falls. He never sleeps, and He’s always on call. He knows the special purpose for which He created you. Trust your Creator to lead each step you take and be with you through any situation – loving, guiding and protecting.

No matter what we do or where we go, we can never be far from our loving Heavenly Father’s comforting presence.

Our God is awesome!

 

 

Feb11

Fourth and Long

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“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life ~

Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?”

Matthew 6:25a; 27 (NIV 2010)

 

Sometimes it’s difficult NOT to worry. Lately I’ve been experiencing a period of troubling upheaval in my everyday life, but the above verses are telling me I should not be worried. My husband was recently diagnosed with a debilitating health condition which causes me to worry about his health, his care and treatment, our family’s future, our financial stability, the future for my three sons…and myself. Everything I once thought was “solid” is now crumbling right before my eyes.

Our MVP has been Sidelined

My husband has always been the “captain” of our family’s “team.” In essence, I feel that our MVP has been sidelined from the game of life, and I’m like a rookie being called in on 4th and long…and we’re not going to punt. Now it’s up to me to play the position of quarterback and lead our team to a victorious future. The clock is ticking, with little time left, and I must spring into action. The team is counting on me, and the outcome rests solely upon my shoulders.

Doubt and Fear Rumble Through My Mind

I run to the huddle and see the faces of my “teammates” looking at me with hopeful anticipation. They are waiting for the next play call. From the bench, my husband is counting on me to pull us through. My team is depending upon me to execute the next play with skillful precision. For a moment, I am frozen with fear thinking about the magnitude of the responsibility I face. I hear jeers of self-doubt resounding in my ears. As I lower my head in the huddle, the “what-if’s” spin through my mind. What if I fail? What if I throw an interception? What if I am sacked in the backfield? What if I make a wrong decision? What if I let everyone down? I begin to I question my abilities. I lack confidence in my preparation for this position, and I even begin to question my “Heavenly Head Coach” for putting an inexperienced quarterback into life’s game at such a crucial point. I certainly don’t want to “choke” with this enormous assignment.

I hear the Voice of my Heavenly “Head Coach”

I lift my eyes to find the Coach and listen for His play call. Above the roar of the “noise” in my head, I hear His gentle voice, providing me with insight. I have studied His Play Book. I trust His infinite wisdom to show me how to lead my team in the best possible way. His eyes are upon my every move, and He has known all along that He was preparing me to play this critical position. I know He has equipped me completely to assume this role.

“…And who knows but that you have come to your position

for such a time as this?” Esther 4: 14

I feel weak with fear and anxiety, but I realize that I don’t have to rely on my own power, wisdom, capabilities, resources or protection, because He promises to be all of these for me. He is my strength when I am weak, and He will infuse me with Heavenly wisdom when I have none. He tells me NOT to worry. I simply must trust in Him, obey His commands, and He will supply my every need.

I accept His instruction and call the next play for my team. I will trust Him implicitly for the outcome. My worries are replaced with inner calm and quiet confidence about the fact that the Coach knows what’s best for each one of His players. He doesn’t make mistakes. We break the huddle and the clock starts ticking…

Hut 1!, Hut 2!, Hut! , Hut! , Hut!!!….


Feb8

Strength from God

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LORD, be gracious to us;
   we long for you.
Be our strength every morning,
   our salvation in time of distress.

Isaiah 33:2 (New International Version, ©2010)

 

 God is gracious, merciful, kind, and compassionate. His love for us is tender and eternal. In times of distress we feel drained of our energy and stamina. We are weak and lack stability. God’s omnipotent power is limitless, and His strength is boundless. No matter what distress
you are facing, ask Him to be your strength when you feel like you have none left. He will faithfully come to your rescue. Let the beauty of the sunrise each morning remind you that nothing is impossible for Him. Allow Him to strengthen you each day.

Feb7

God’s Unfailing Love

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“…the earth is full of His unfailing love.”

Psalm 33:5 (New International Version, ©2010)

 

God’s love is dependable and true. It is limitless and eternal; it will never let you down or disappoint. Allow God to open your spiritual eyes today so that you may see glimpses of His love all around you… because “the earth is full of His unfailing love!” Ask Him to let your heart feel His heavenly brand of love. Invite Him to show His love to you today in a very special and unique way.


 

Feb5

Broken Pottery…

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Broken Pottery…


“…I have become like broken pottery.”

Psalm 31:12 (NIV)

Giant tears welled in my eyes and spilled onto the crisp pages of my Bible as I read the verse above in my early morning quiet time. Those six words resonated deep within my soul and flooded my broken heart as I envisioned myself like a broken clay vessel, shattered and useless for its intended purpose. The psalmist is describing himself in a time of extreme anguish and despair, the same way I was feeling at the moment I read those powerful words.

How did I “become” like broken pottery? Financial crisis, marital strife, parenting issues, illness, and the death of my beloved father-in-law brought me to the point where I felt as though I had been dropped from the edge of a cliff and shattered on jagged rocks below. You see I can’t point my finger to any one of those major difficulties as being the final blow to my clay vessel. However, all combined, they had taken a toll on my life and its usefulness to my heavenly Father.

We all feel a sense of brokenness at different times in our lives. During a period of illness or disease, we experience a form of physical brokenness. When my body is not functioning at 100% capacity, I feel frustrated and worthless. I normally go full speed ahead, managing my marriage, my three sons, our home, and my part-time job with ease. But when I’m debilitated due to sickness, I become discouraged, feeling defeated and nonproductive. I become discouraged that I’m unable to keep our lives and calendars running smoothly. In essence, I’m rendered ineffective in my daily walk of ministry in my home to my husband and sons.

Brokenness also occurs during a season of heartache and anguish. This can occur during a period of sadness over the loss of a loved one. Mourning can be debilitating and consume us to the point that we can only focus on our loss, leaving room for nothing more. Struggles or failures in a relationship or marriage can also lead to a feeling of heart break, leaving us emotionally wounded and dysfunctional. At times we are heartbroken for our children. Perhaps they have strayed off the path, and we are sad and bewildered about their misguided direction. Or perhaps they are being bullied, harassed or ostracized by their peers, and we feel angst over their torment. While there are many different sources for heartbreak in our lives, they all produce the same type of outcome, causing us to become broken and limited in our usefulness and productivity.

We feel a sense of mental brokenness during times of extreme stress. Financial worries or job security can burden us to the point that we shut down. The loss of a job or the downturn of the economy can bring us to a point where we don’t know where to turn for our next paycheck. Debt can be overwhelming and worrying about paying the stack of bills on your kitchen counter can bring your life to a halt. When every trip to the mailbox or every ring of the phone brings a sense of dread, our thoughts are consumed with one focus…what we don’t have in our bank account. We are useless in all other areas of our lives.

Thankfully, we know a Savior who can take the broken pieces of our lives and transform them into malleable clay, reshaping us into useful vessels once again, with His grand and glorious purpose in mind. He can shine the grace of His warm, healing presence into our being and mend the broken areas of our heart, mind, body and soul. He alone can transform, renew and refresh us. In reality, we are more receptive to our Lord when we are in a state of brokenness because He can mold us in areas where we might have been resistant before. At those times we let go of the pride that falsely binds our lives together, and we realize that we can’t repair our broken lives on our own. We must look to God for His merciful healing.

Cry out to your Heavenly Father, asking Him to pick up the shattered pieces of your life and place all your cares in the palms of the Master Craftsman. Allow the compassionate hands of the Almighty Potter to heal your brokenness and shape your life into a beautiful vessel, useful and glorifying to Him.

Isaiah 64:8 (New International Version)

8 Yet, O LORD, you are our Father.
       We are the clay, you are the potter;
       we are all the work of your hand.

Dear Heavenly Father, Yes, I am the work of your hands. Heal the broken areas of my vessel, and transform me into a beautiful form of pottery, effective and useful for your purposes. May the ministry of my life bring glory to you always.

In the precious name of Jesus (your Son who was broken for me) I pray, Amen.