The message was clear, vibrant and full of promise. The words were gratefully consumed to fill a hole deep within. No matter that the voice had been heard before...because the need was too great, to fearful to not grasp at the fledgling of hope sounds and peaceable images perceived.
...Hope disguised.
Love came in tender moments, real or imagined, caressing and warm and light. Too soon that same love reared an ugly head, and the blindness of one beguiled by the artifice of deceit falls face down in grief.
...Hope shattered.
The day was clear, bright and sunny, when the message came strongly and painfully honest, damaging and depressing the hope chords within, leaving the soul aching and tearfully demanding fairness be rectified.
...hope unseen.
The night skies twinkle with millions of stars, gently hinting at some greatness beyond, expanding itself visually and making smallness only where one stands.
...Hope awakened.
A very small-boned and very dirty, older man gathers his belongings. He is no longer allowed to sleep on this concrete portion but must find another home to occupy. As the steaming cup of coffee is offered in one hand and a sandwich in the other, his wizened face beams with joy for this small gift, for it will fortify him on his meanderings in a cold city.
...Hope has a face.
Lord, I thank you for this hour, this day, this time in my life, whether troubled or peaceful. I thank you for the hope only You can provide. I love you, Lord!
...Hope disguised.
Love came in tender moments, real or imagined, caressing and warm and light. Too soon that same love reared an ugly head, and the blindness of one beguiled by the artifice of deceit falls face down in grief.
...Hope shattered.
...hope unseen.
The night skies twinkle with millions of stars, gently hinting at some greatness beyond, expanding itself visually and making smallness only where one stands.
...Hope awakened.
A very small-boned and very dirty, older man gathers his belongings. He is no longer allowed to sleep on this concrete portion but must find another home to occupy. As the steaming cup of coffee is offered in one hand and a sandwich in the other, his wizened face beams with joy for this small gift, for it will fortify him on his meanderings in a cold city.
...Hope has a face.
Life storms rage with disappointments aplenty. Hardships come in all flavors and sizes and one never knows the depth until firmly planted in them. We can choose to accept and wallow or to fight and conquer, to bury our heads in the sand or face head-on...and the choice is always there.
He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. (Revelation 3:21)
Hope is alive and well. God takes my hopelessness, my tears, my distress, my disappointments in life, and points me to the way home where I am meant to live in complete joy for all eternity.
...but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Cor. 15:57)...Hope is Jesus Christ.
Lord, I thank you for this hour, this day, this time in my life, whether troubled or peaceful. I thank you for the hope only You can provide. I love you, Lord!
