How many times have we heard those words…or thought them… or whispered them to ourselves, or casually admitted them to a friend, as if it’s noble or even God-honoring to keep one’s hope suppressed and one’s expectations low?
My life has been in, what I would call, a holding pattern for the past 7 days, as I’ve waited for medical results of a biopsy on a small mass in my pelvis. One evening, while restless in this holding tank, I finally corralled the wild horses of my thoughts, put a bit and bridle on them and led them straight into the presence of the Lord. “Jesus you know how difficult it is for me to rest during this “waiting-to-know-some answers” season of my life. I’m certain you’ll carry me securely and will cause this situation to work out for my good and Your glory, regardless of the outcome! BUT I just want some answers… and I’m trying SO HARD not to get my hopes up…”
At that very moment, the ridiculous nature of this statement stopped my prayer mid-stream: I’m trying not to get my hopes up? What kind of pathetic admission did I just render? If my hope is truly anchored to Christ’s love for me and His purposes in me, shouldn’t my hope have no other trajectory than up?
Why do we strive to rein in hope: To ward off disappointment? To restrain the soul’s sorrow should the Lord’s answer be contrary to our desired outcome?
In my sheepish and frazzled emotional state, I sensed the weight of God’s nearness. He wasn’t towering over me, desperate to correct me, but simply stooped as low as my lowly position, lifted my heavy head and began to whisper His promises into the fiber of my soul.
The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom [or what] shall I be afraid! (Ps 27:1) HOPE!
The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run to it and are safe! (Prov 18:10) HOPE!
No weapon forged against you will prevail! Isaiah 54:17 HOPE!
The Lord will work out his plans for my life—for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever! (Ps 138:8) HOPE
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken. (Ps 55:22) HOPE!
Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed! (Ps 139:16) HOPE!
When I am afraid, I will trust in You! (Ps 56:3) HOPE!
The Lord your God in the midst of you is mighty to save. He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will quiet you with His Love! He will rejoice over you with singing! (Zeph 3:17) HOPE!
Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. (Eph 3:20) HOPE!
These declarations are a mere drop in the vast ocean of God’s rich promises. They wash over us like a flood, driving out fear and anxiety; each backed with the character of God’s pounding love, each one holding the power to reverse the downward spiral of our wayward thoughts and to brighten our countenance from deep within…
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 HOPE!
Would you join me? Would you allow Him to enliven your soul with His living Word. I challenge you, go ahead and allow yourself to get your hopes up! Way up!
A Quick Update: I finally received the long-awaited call from the doctor last night: [Drum-roll please] The pathology reports were inconclusive; therefore, the biopsy is making a trek to the University of Washington Medical Center for further testing…
Therefore, I will continue to wait, and in the waiting, I will continue to hope!
Beauty Awaits,
Patty
Anchor of Hope: Now may the God of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The God of peace be with you all! 2 Thes 3:16 HOPE!
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