hope

In the book of Joshua, the priests were commanded to stand in the river, and the Bible said the flood waters of the Jordan rose upon a heap and they passed over on dry ground. Afterward, the Lord commanded that stones be taken and set as a memorial, a testimony to coming generation.

I have a memorial. It’s a sixty-year-old window hanging on my dining room wall—a—reminder of character building years. During those five years, we were stripped of everything but the absolute necessities.

It was “through” that time, I learned how to “to trust in Him” and “pour out my heart before Him” as Psalms 62:8 tells me to do. And when I became overwhelmed and felt as if the flood waters would overtake me, He comforted me. He whispered hope and encouraged me amid my troubles. He didn’t remove me from the situation, but He gave me the strength to cross to the other side.

It wasn’t an easy journey, by no means. But I came to understand that all seasons are necessary if I’m to grow. Something else I learned was seasons change. I will not stay in the place I’m in at the moment, for He promised I’d cross the river and take new ground.

Maybe you’re in transition. Maybe you’ve been stripped of everything but the necessities. Maybe you’re on a Spaghetti-O budget. Or maybe you’re without a car—pennies have become precious to you. Maybe you’re in a new field, uncertain and feeling vulnerable. Maybe you’re wondering if you’ll ever see the other side of the river.

Trust in the Lord. He never fails. Just as Joshua and the children of Israel crossed to the other side to claim the promised land, you will cross to the other side, too.

And when you do, I encourage you to write it down, or as I did, take part of that which helped mold you and hang it somewhere as a reminder. Then, when hard times come knocking again, and they will, remind yourself of the past victories and stand assured of this one thing: He is with you.

Fear not. Take courage. You’re not alone. Someone is praying!

Blessings

Gail

Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life (Proverbs 13:12 KJV).

If you haven’t observed nature this week, you’ve missed a miraculous event. The difference a day makes is amazing as bare trees transform into colorful blossoming beauties.

Dogwood~Gail Johnson

We live in a transient world. Things are constantly changing around us. Through time and change, we quickly learn not to rest our hopes on the world around us as we watch marriages fail, finances fail, peace treaties fail, and dreams fail.

If not careful, we begin judging everything based upon these changes. We lose hope. “Hope deferred makes the heart sick,” said the wise man.

Yet, in this ever-changing society in which we live, there is a constant—a solid Rock—a veritable Refuge—an unmovable, unshakable foundation—an Anchor. And no matter where we are today, He is there with us. Whether it is a sea of affliction, a financial wilderness, or a valley of suffering the Lord is with us. He knows what is best because He has searched us and known us. He has placed us exactly where we need to be at this moment in time.

Oh, dear friend, if you are struggling, if you’re sad and hurting, let me assure you, God is on your side. He hasn’t forsaken nor forgotten you. You are His treasured possession. You are in His hands. All else may fail but He will never fail you. He has promised to deliver you.

Just as a bare tree will bloom in springtime, hope will spring forth once more bringing new life. “But when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.” Every winter must have a spring. So keep your eyes upon the Lord and remember He sees our needs and hears our prayers.

Reflection

What are you going through at this time? How is God helping you? I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment here or you can find me on Facebook here. Send me a friend request.