What a year! I’m thankful for stories of hope, like the story of 200 foster kiddos who received Christmas gifts and a party at our church, or like the story of two young ladies from a sea-dwelling community in the Philippines who received university certificates because of the education and guidance they received from a program founded by a friend of mine. We need to hear more of these stories!
At times it *seems* there are many stories of hopelessness. And from our childhood through the fun awkward interesting teen years to motherhood through life, there certainly has been moments when we have felt different degrees of hopelessness. I don’t want to dismiss or ignore these feelings or situations in my own life, in someone else’s life, in our communities, or around the world, but I believe there is HOPE.
From Hopeless to Hopeful
Maybe you saw more news of crime and war on TV, or you were the last one chosen for the team, or a friend lost a battle with cancer, or you saw all your friends getting phones and you had to share one with your three siblings (true story).
Maybe you’ve told her to put her toys away for the hundredth time, or you forgot it was Wacky Hair Day at school, or your kiddo was diagnosed with an illness, or you saw all your friends’ kiddos (but not your own) receive trophies for the spelling bee, soccer tournament, cheer competition, or fill-in-the-blank with the other activities children are involved in these days.
Before helpless turns to hopeless, may we be willing to listen before we speak and do the next right thing in love. – Emily P. Freeman
What I’m learning is that we choose our reactions to situations! It’s easy to dwell on bad things in this fallen world. We may not see what our small contribution to relief in war-torn countries can do, but I believe there is HOPE.
Words of Hope
On Facebook, I asked friends what their favorite Bible verse about hope was, and I think these are some truths we can lean on and lean into when we are looking for Hope.
- Jeremiah 29:11 –> “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
- Romans 12:12 –> Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
- Romans 15:13 –> May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
- Ephesians 1:13 –> And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.
- Some more hope verses: Romans 5:1-5, Romans 8:28, 1 Corinthians 1:27, Philippians 2:12-17 (All verses are from NIV.)
Thanks Ann, Cindy, Jennifer (x2), Julie, Madrid, Marianne, Mariecris, Melissa, and Roscio for sharing your favorite HOPE verses.
Your turn: What is your favorite Bible verse or quote about hope? Who gives you hope? What gives you hope?