Hope

Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Romans 5:5 (NASB)

           

            Winter signaled its arrival some time during the night, adorning everything it touched with a thin coat of frost. Denuded tree branches, once so stark and gnarly, shimmer like jewels under the soft, winter sun. The meadow, so arid after this summer’s drought, now glistens like a coffer full of jewels. The large bales of hay in the field remind me of cinnamon rolls topped with a thin layer of white icing.

            However beautiful the world looks this morning, Benjamin is still disappointed. He’d hoped for a white Christmas. Thankfully, this letdown is short-lived as he turns his attention towards the pile of brightly-wrapped presents stacked under the Christmas tree. A smile comes to my lips as I watch him tear off the wrapping paper. Such excitement and joy, despite the lack of snow. If only I could set aside my own disappointments so swiftly, and find joy in the loving gifts my Heavenly Father sprinkles throughout each day.

            Hope; such a delicate balance between joyful anticipation and heartfelt disappointment. For human hope is merely wishful thinking, the desire to see an outcome which may or may not be fulfilled. And when hope disappoints, its consequences can be devastating.

Spiritual hope, on the other hand, is not based on a possibility but on a person; Jesus-Christ. It is founded on the unchanging character and promises of God. Spiritual hope doesn’t leave us wanting. It doesn’t disappoint because our God is faithful and He keeps His promises. Spiritual hope is the expectant anticipation of God’s love and succor as He works and moves within us, strengthening our hearts for whatever lays ahead.

            Hope is the motivating force that gets us out of bed each morning and carries us through each day. Hope is the strength that keeps us going, in spite of a heart-wrenching diagnosis, despite the meltdowns, the frustrations and the challenges of raising a special-needs child.

Hope dares to look for the rainbow before the storm has ended. Hope dares to sing songs of victory, even while the battle still rages on. Hope dares to say, “It is well,” even when it seems all is lost. Hope waits patiently through the darkest night, confident dawn will eventually come.

Hope understands there is so much more to life than the physical eye can perceive and that God has a deeper purpose than we can ever understand. It hangs on amid trials, knowing one day all will be revealed and we will experience that ultimate “aha!"