Hope Wins
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In our pandemic world, it seems that there are continually things that come along that bring some doom and gloom. We have to be so careful not to focus on them. In fact, have you ever been in a totally dark place and seen how a tiny ray of light (like a small flashlight) begins to dispel the darkness? It's quite amazing. Something so small and seemingly lacking in power can begin to have a huge impact.
Hope is like that! In the midst of "dark" things in our lives, hope can win over darkness. Our hope in God by proclaiming who He is in our situations wins every time! The Psalmist David understood this. Over and over again he proclaimed "hope in God." He challenged his downcast spirit and reminded himself of the power of hope.
So many times in recent years as I faced Floyd's situation and my illness - which both brought about so many weights......I would just speak out my hope that God was with me. Inevitably that simple act lightened the load....lifted my spirit....and gave me fresh strength. There is power in hoping in God and proclaiming who He is. When we are without power because of our weakened situation, God will meet us as we hope in Him.
The "ray of light" of hope is a powerful tool God has put into our hands. I'm putting it to good use daily!
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing." Romans 15:13
"Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God." Psalm 43:5
"As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more." Psalm 71:14
"And hope does not put us to shame." Romans 5:5
"The Lord delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love." Psalm 147:11
I've been expressing my thankfulness this week, and proclaiming my hope in the God who is so very faithful. My spirit is lifted with every expression and proclamation. Such wonderful "tools" God has given us.
I can't believe we are a month away from bidding goodbye to 2021. Where has the year gone? It seems to have flown by. I used to think that only old people said things like that, but now my grandchildren say the same thing. Life is going by quickly.
Christmas is rapidly approaching. It's always been my favorite season of the year. I have lots of special memories from Christmases past! This past weekend I put out all my Christmas decorations. I didn't do a tree this year as it was just too much work, but I wanted to make the house look festive - especially since I'm here all the time. (I've been on restricted isolation for almost 21 months now.) The decorations look fun and very Christmasy. I smile every time I look at them. It's a wonderful change.
One of the decorations is a little white wood tree that was made by local craftsmen (you can see it in the picture above). I decorated it and took it each Christmas to share with Floyd in his hospital room. I wanted him to have a touch of Christmas! Every time I look at this little tree, I think of my dear husband. He always celebrated Christmas in very special ways with me and with our family. I miss him this year, but I'm grateful for all the sweet memories.
I have already been playing Christmas carols, singing along - and thanking the Lord that He sent His Son to us! I am so grateful for that. Immanuel, God with us. Such a joy to celebrate that! I recently learned that in the Old Testament it was spelled Emmanuel - and Immanuel in the New Testament. But whichever way you spell it, the point is that He came - how wonderful it is that He is with us!
" 'Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call His name Immanuel' (which means God with us.)" Matthew 1:23
I am so very thankful that God is with us! I could never have survived otherwise. I celebrate Immanuel this Christmas. And I pray you will sense Him with you in special ways during this Christmas season.