Trusting the Giver of Hope

Renewing hope that’s beaten down hinges on looking beyond hurt and sadness to God’s future purpose for you. Where there is loss of hope, life appears dark and empty, but by permitting even a flicker of hope to exist, the promise for a good future is possible. Hope can be battered and bruised but it never gives up or quits.

Hope looks forward to a good future like an expectant mother anticipates holding and nurturing a newborn baby. For the Christian, hope waits for God’s future provision and guidance. Hopelessness, however, is barren and unable to give birth to possibilities. Hopelessness must be rejected for it diminishes the initiative to reach for the future.

Believe that God is the giver of hope and strength to endure your present situation. Hope inspires endurance that’s anchored in Christ Jesus. While grief impacts the human spirit, hope inspired by faith makes it possible to endure whatever Christ has placed before you. He will never leave you nor forsake you.  

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“The Lord is all I have,” says my soul, “Therefore I will trust in him.” The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the person who searches for him. It is good to hope and wait patiently for the Lord’s salvation.  

~Lamentations 3:24-26 International Standard Version

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When in Darkness, Seek the Light

At the center of conflict is usually an internal struggle that hasn’t been worked out. If a struggle is fueled by guilt, any attempt to calm the strife will not be acceptable until confession and repentance are offered for the guilt. This is the pathway to inner peace and a clear conscience.

An extreme measure resorted to when facing guilt and shame is becoming self-destructive. Suicide is one attempt to silence the mental anguish of despair when nothing else alleviates the hopelessness and helplessness that have infiltrated one’s consciousness.

Take seriously anyone who speaks of suicide. They need to be heard and understood. Anyone experiencing such despair needs immediate medical and mental help. They need to understand solutions are possible. Even in great darkness, Jesus is the source of light, hope and forgiveness. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world and in me there is no darkness.” Accept that light right now. Seek out people who will provide help and hope. God bless you.  

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You light a lamp for me. The Lord, my God, lights up my darkness.

~Psalm 18:28 New Living Translation

Later, in one of his talks, Jesus said to the people, “I am the Light of the world. So if you follow me, you won’t be stumbling through the darkness, for living light will flood your path.”

~John 8:12 The Living Bible

Spiritual Integrity: Hope for the Family - Part 2

If you were to take stock right now, what would you say is your most important life concern? The majority of people say family takes first place, but  prayer is needed to alleviate the anxiety that comes with facing an uncertain future. Hope for the future tends to diminish where pessimism and negativity are allowed to gain a foothold, for these indicate an attitude of hopelessness.

Integrity anchored in faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ provides hope for the future. Integrity under-girds a belief that God faithfully supplies a good  purpose for our existence at every stage of development. Growth, change, and discovery become a never-ending process for those who maintain hope and are willing to participate in what God has to offer.

St. Paul put it this way, "For this reason we do not give up. Even though on the outside it looks as if things are falling apart, our spiritual self is being renewed day after day." Our integrity gets a boost when we put into action what we believe and know to be true of God's faithfulness, mercy, and compassion. 

Productivity vs. Boredom: Sowing and Reaping - Part 3

Popular books have been written about mid-life, that space between thirty-five and fifty-something. One author described this phase of life as an emotional resurgence of adolescence when the need to break away or separate from what is familiar resurfaces. In the worst case everything familiar, including career, family, and God, becomes the enemy.

What drives this painful life-changer? One explanation is the tendency to become so obsessed with a career or family that little time exists to nurture your-  self or a spouse. In some instances, a restrained loneliness forms that can't be contained beneath a facade of busyness. Feeling empty in spite of all the outer trappings of success has to be a consideration.

What's to be done? Choose to face down the crisis. God will not forsake you even if life seems hopeless. Give Christ Jesus time to heal you, to change your thoughts, and forgive you. Ask God to give you a new vision and purpose for your life. Connections with family and God can be restored. This is a choice you can make.