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!
Photo Credit: www.farhanadhalla.com
Patty your an amazing women!! I love this! I’m still praying!!
I love that God spoke so clearly to you as you waited. Now, imagine what He’ll speak as He asks you to wait again. Love you much. Praying for you. <3
Thank you, Patty for reminding me that I need HOPE in my life….and because of my relationship with Jesus Christ, I will always have it! I continue to pray for a good outcome for you!
My dear friend,
How I love you so and think of you often. You are such a treasure to me! I will remain in prayer for you over this one. Thank you for you courage and faithfulness in sharing this struggle with so many. It comes as an encouragement to many! “Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word timely spoken”. (Somewhere in proverbs! Ha..) Call me anytime….cara
Waiting, praying & believing with you, Patty! As Isaiah 40:31 says, “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings as eagles.” Praising Him in advance for a good report!!
I’m praying that they find this mass to be benign and nothing bad. I know how scary it is to have to wait for results – your hopeful and positive outlook will help you get through this time far better than staying fearful. You are an amazing and strong woman, and I just know everything will turn out good. You will continue to stay in my prayers.
Bless you Patty! Your heart and words are always spot on! Such an encouragement to all that cross your path. We continue our prayers for you. Having been in somewhat the same place we absolutely get it and so appreciate you sharing your heart..knowing others are with you in prayer is also such an awesome connection. Bless you and Gary as you leave your hope in the Lord.
Love you!
Terri
Waiting, hoping, praying and trusting right along with you. sister. He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,
Hoping with you, sweet friend. Love this post…love you!!
Thank you Jodi! I feel the powerful effects of the prayers of those standing with me, and am so challenged to be that one who stands with those who are suffering. What a strength to our hope-meter to know we’re not walking alone!
Hi patty pete and down here in cali, we miss u alot! That was a beautiful writing if u call it that, so true, me and pete been through this with our own health, and yes! His promises are true! Hope, faith, trust, we r praying, live ya dawn
Praying with you and your family, Patty. A very young friend of mine recently lost her husband of, I believe, 28 years of age. Through it all they proclaimed “God’s Got It!” I proclaim this for you and with you. GOD”S GOT IT!!
That’s the good news, Carilyn. We know He’s always got it!
What an awesome reminder of the Hope we have in the Lord with the Scriptures you shared. Hope springs eternal. I have something I’d love to share with you personally. Give me a call 205-454-9202.
Thank you for this timely encouraging reminder! We are also in a medical holding pattern in regards to our daughter Grace and through this process, we have also tried “not to get our hopes up”. Praying for you as you wait and trust in Him also! Hugs!
Oh Lori, We will pray for God’s abundant grace as you wait for answers for your own precious daughter, Grace!
Your reminder that HOPE is always there through Christ is incredible.. You have a beautiful way of putting it into words and I cannot thank you for this reminder today. You touched my life today
Sandi (Ricker) Smith
Thank you, Sandi, for your encouraging words!
Patty I am praying for you. I faced this over 12 years ago. God is so faithful He has you in the palm of His hand waiting with you with hope knowing that God is with you every step of the way. Just as he has been with me. God Bless
So wonderful to hear from you, Mary. You are such an example of perseverance in the storm!