“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Hope
Hope is everything
When you have Jesus…you have hope.
My hope is built on nothing less…
Faith, Trust, and Hope
I have been in a season of prayer recently where I look to God for comfort as work is not a constant, and worry wants to overtake my dreams.
I work because I love what I do and I consider it a “calling. But some days, it is harder than others.
My hope is in the Lord who gives me strength.
Hope
Lord knows…we all need a little hope.
Remember Who Is In Control
Crazy times requires strong people of faith!
My Hope is in the Lord
But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you. Psalm 39:7
At the start of the year, I chose the word “hope” as my word for the year. It’s a simple word that holds a lot of promise.
Interestingly, I have to remind myself of my word EVERY day. I seem to loose hope at the slightest disappointment and forget who holds the world in the palm of His hand. I forget to hope.
Finances, deaths, disease, job loss, family struggles, and so much more can pile onto a person’s soul and suck the hope right out of their life. Don’t do it. Don’t lose your hope.
How any times has the Lord given me hope? How many times has He picked me up from the gutter? How many times must He prove His love for me?
This is Lent…a season of preparation for Jesus’s death on the cross and ultimate resurrection. I imagine there wasn’t a lot of hope on that dark and sad day. But hope was renewed three days later as Jesus rose from the grave.
Nothing is beyond the reach of God. Nothing is impossible. Nothing is without hope. I am glad I chose that word for this year and I intend to remind myself each and every day to never, never, give up hope.
I am standing on the promises of God, my savior.
Oh sweet peace… Lent 6
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Oh sweet peace…such an illusive thing in this world.
When Jesus speaks to His disciples, He knows the future and He knows that true peace will not be something found in this world but only through Him. Jesus is the One who sacrificed His life for us ensuring an eternity covered under grace and love. A glory-filled and peaceful future. This verse still speaks to us today. It rings true and is comforting.
Struggle is an integral part of life. Succumbing to despair over struggle is a choice. I don’t know if all encompassing peace will ever be attained in this lifetime; but, I rest my heart, my soul, and my hope on Jesus and I know that peace will come.
It will come…someday.
Thanks!
Sometimes, I just don’t have very much to say. Sometimes, I have too much to say. And sometimes…I get it just right.
Lately, I have been in a phase of self-reflection and introspection. I need these moments to search my soul and reflect upon what is most important to me.
In this busy world…I tend to forget the obvious and focus on the wrong things. I have to pull myself back and realize that I can’t solve all problems, I can’t be make everything right and I sure can’t play God. I like to try, but I fail. It is inevitable.
So lately, I have just been thought-filled yet unconcerned with prognosticating the future. Just one day at a time and one step after another.
I believe God understands. There are times when God and I walk closely and in sync and times when God knows I’m in a lost place needing His help. I believe God gives me the time to come back to Him without condemnation or rebuke. Like a lost sheep, He welcomes me back into the fold and carries me home.
And for that…I say Thanks.
Go Rest High on that Mountain.
I love old cemeteries. I find them peaceful. Death does not scare me.
Near our home in North Carolina there is a small, private cemetery. It holds the remains of soldiers killed during the Civil War.
These three crosses mark the site of soldiers unknown to locals. Their final resting place is marked with a simple cross. Someone took the time to honor them thus and still tend to this small patch of earth.
But it doesn’t matter.
God knows them by heart. He knows their names.
We put great effort into marking our territories which includes our homes, our cars, and our grave plots. But mark your heart.
Mark it for God.
I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name. Isaiah 45:3
Happy May Day!
May 1st is celebrated throughout the world as a day of hope. It’s May Day.
Many years ago, I celebrated May Day in Belgium with my Mother who was recuperating from cancer and had completed her last chemotherapy. I bought my Mom a lily of the valley bouquet on the streets of Brussels and we ended the night with a savory crème brule.
The smell of the lilies mingled with the deliciously tasty crème brule turned into sensory overload for two happy travelers filled with hope for the future.
Life is made sweeter through memories and reminders of time spent with loved ones. This May 1st, I will remember my Mom and give thanks to Jesus that she was granted a few more years with us before crossing into paradise.
I am reminded of a poem we loved.
He paints the lilies of the field
Perfumes each lily bell
If He so loves the little flowers
I know He loves me well.
I thank God for another May 1st with my family. But I’m equally thankful that He takes care of those I love who live with Him in sweet victory. My hope is built on nothing less.
We Shall Come Rejoicing 