Upheld In Hope

Hope- Front and Center

While reading a WW2 novel recently, I realized how important it is to keep our hope alive. I know, I’ve been talking about it a lot lately, but with all that’s happening in our world, hope is the one thing that we need to be reminded of constantly.

The story that I read had to do with the Resistance to the Nazi’s. As in a lot of those stories, the heroes and heroines were spies, or passing information, or doing some other job to promote eventual victory and peace.

But, when victory seemed a long way off and danger dogged every step, I think the real-life heroes and heroines had to keep hope front and center. In spite of the obstacles, in spite of how they felt, in spite of what they saw.

When there was nothing left.

Hope – in the Melody

Hope twines around our hearts and our memories through song. Ever have one transport you to another time and place? Remember soft romantic melody that swirls through your soul? Or the strong percussion tunes that make you want to jump up and do something.

I understand that music reaches into the depths of a person at times when nothing else can. When their minds or bodies become inaccessible. God knows how we are fearfully and wonderfully made. I, for one, am very grateful for how He has made provision when it seems that there is nothing left. That is hope.

Hope – No Matter What

God has put the desire to hope all things into our hearts. It’s why we look for better days. It’s why we strive to rise above negative circumstances. It’s why we search so hard for utopia.

God tells us that tribulations in our lives produce perseverance in us. That leads to character. And these are times when we need to stand up and live our convictions, with kindness and truth. And character leads to hope because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts.

We recently celebrated Jesus’ birth on earth. Soon we will celebrate our redemption through His death and resurrection. He made a way for us to hope in a very bright future.

He has given us a reason for hope. No matter what we see before us.

“Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:5 NKJV).