March 21, 2011

His Name is Hope*

Flickr of Hope
Though I'm not one for keeping up on the news, there are certain things that do not escape the attention of even the most cut-off. Of course, I'm talking about the devastating earthquakes that have rocked New Zealand and Japan.

It's my hope and prayer that each person affected, both directly and indirectly, would be delivered completely from trauma and fear. I hope and pray that family members left behind will have closure and be able to say final farewells to their loved ones. I hope and pray that each of us who only see the news footage or hear nth-hand stories about the loss and tragedy would find solace in the stability of our homes and lives.

Fear is our enemy. I despise and abhor fear mongering, which is the primary reason I choose not to watch or listen to much news. As much as my fingers are itching to start a conversation about the media and the sale of "news", I'm going to refrain and redirect my thoughts back toward the subject of

HOPE
Hope Does Not Disappoint
This week I have needed HOPE, and God has delivered. I will share with you the flavor of His message to me in the coming days. To start with, here is the verse that has been resonating in my mind for the past week.

Romans 5:1-5
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith,
we have PEACE with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
through whom we have gained ACCESS by faith
into this grace in which we now STAND.
And we rejoice in the HOPE of the glory of God.
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings,
because we know that suffering produces perseverance;
perseverance, character;
and character, HOPE.
And HOPE does not disappoint us,
because God has poured out His LOVE
into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.


*a line from John Mark McMillan's song, "Between the Cracks"

2 comments:

  1. Hope is a powerful antidote to daily life. Love, Mom

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  2. It is spring here and hope is everywhere. Each little sprout or butterfly that flutters by casts hope in the world (for me). I am so excited that God is sharing his hope with you, you will need it during this transition time. Hold fast to hope!
    Hebrews 10:23-25
    23 Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

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