Day 28 ~ The Solid Rock of Hope

 

I grew up singing the traditional version of this hymn, "The Solid Rock." The lyrics still bring back a flood of memories from my childhood... seeing my little grandma singing in the back of the church, watching my mother playing the piano up front, and knowing in my heart that these words were as true for me as they were for my parents and grandparents.

This upbeat version by the group Avalon may be a bit different than the one I sang as a girl, but the words still resonate within my soul:

My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus' blood and righteousness

I dare not trust the sweetest frame

But wholly lean on Jesus' name

On Christ, the solid rock, I stand

All other ground is sinking sand

All other ground is sinking sand

Is your hope in Christ, the "Solid Rock"? The world around you may be crumbling, but if your hope is in Him, you are secure!

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If you'd like to start at the beginning of this 31 Days of Hope series, click here. Thanks!
 

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Day 27 ~ Hope Sees...



Day 24 ~ This IS Your Hope!

“For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.” Colossians 2:9-10

If you are a Christ-follower, this is your hope: You are complete in Christ.

But I’m not good enough.

Because of Christ, you are good enough.

But I’m a failure.

Because of Christ, you are more than a conqueror.

But I can’t…

Because of Christ, you can.

But everyone always leaves me.

Because of Christ, you will never be alone.

If we would truly “get” this one concept—that we are complete in Christ—our lives would change forever! I have to admit: There are times—short glimpses—when I think I can wrap my mind around this awesome truth.

But then there are the days, you know THOSE days, when I just can’t seem to do anything right. And the negative thoughts plague my mind and heart and soul.

Ever have one of those days? Maybe today is one of those days…

Say it with me… I am complete in Christ.

Because of Christ, I am not a failure. I am a child of the King.

Because of Christ, I am enough!

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If you'd like to start at the beginning of this 31 Days of Hope series, click here. Thanks!
 

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Day 22 ~ Hope for Hurting Souls

Has God ever sent you a word at just the right time, exactly when you needed it? That's what He did for me this weekend through this post by my good friend, Christa Sterken. Check out her wonderful blog here.

Christa's paraphrase of Psalm 18 offers hope for hurting souls. A healing balm washed over my soul as I read it. I trust it will do the same for you.

Based on portions of Psalm 18
I love you, O Lord, My strength.
The Lord is my rock, my safe place, and my deliverer.
The only place where I can take refuge.
I call to the Lord, who is worthy of my praise,
And I am saved from my enemies.
The cords of death and depression entangled me;
The torrents of self-destruction overwhelmed me.
The cords of the grave, fear, coiled around me;
The snares of confusion confronted me.
In my distress I called to the Lord!
I cried out desperately to my God for His help.
From His temple, a place unseen to me, he heard my voice;
My sorrowful cry came before him, into his ears.
His waiting ears.
He reached down from on high and took hold of me;
He drew me out of the deep waters of despair.
He rescued me from my powerful enemy. Rescued me from that which sought to destroy me that was too strong for me.
Those fears confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the LORD was my support! He was in my corner. In fact, he was my corner.
He brought me to a safe place,
He rescued me because He delighted in me. Delighted, in me!
The Lord has dealt with me not according to any righteousness of my own, but according to His son, who cleansed my stained hands, yet he still rewarded me.
For I have often kept the ways of the Lord. Many times I have failed.
But I have never turned permanently from my God.
All his laws are before me; and he shows me mercy when I turn away from his decrees. He softly and kindly turns me back to them.
I am now blameless before him, and try to keep myself from sin.
You teach me to be humble, and bring my eyes low when arrogant.
You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning;
My God turns my darkness into light!
As for my God, his way is perfect; his words are flawless.

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Day 19: Five Minute Friday ~ Look

Time for 5 minute Friday! This is a great community writing exercise posted each week on Lisa-Jo Baker's blog, Tales from a Gypsy Mama.

Want to take on the challenge? Here are the rules:

1. Write for 5 minutes flat on the chosen word of the day – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link to Lisa-Jo Baker’s blog and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you and encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community...

If you have a blog (or even if you don't), you should give it a try! There's no better way to get the creative juices flowing than with a timed exercise - no over thinking, no picking apart.

So here's my stab at today's 5 minute Friday (it also conveniently fits as an entry in my 31 Days of Hope series, so yay for me!):

Look…

 

As a young girl in Sunday School, I was intrigued by a story about Moses and the Israelites in the wilderness. Poisonous snakes were killing the people, and Moses pleaded to God for help. God told him to make a bronze serpent and set it up on a pole. If the people looked at the serpent after being bitten, they would be healed.

 

One look and they were healed.

 

Was it really the look? Or was it their faith? Their hope wasn’t in the bronze serpent, but in God.

 

What do I do when I'm overwhelmed with the poison of this world? With the seemingly hopeless situations that bring me down?

 

Do I look to Jesus and hope?

 

Or do I cast my eyes downward and inward, looking to myself for solutions that I don’t possess?

 

Look to Jesus. He alone is hope for a dark, hurting world. He alone brings hope to your soul.

Look to Jesus and be healed.

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Day 18 ~ Isaiah 40:31

Source: rebekahblocher.blogspot.com via Melanie on Pinterest

Isaiah 40:31 is one of my all time favorite Scriptures on the subject of hope. This image doesn't include the end of the verse, so I will add it here: "...they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint." What a wonderful promise!

Keep hoping in the Lord!

Day 17 ~ Hold On, Pain Ends (HOPE)

Source: Uploaded by user via Reciclothes on Pinterest

This acronym for HOPE (Hold On, Pain Ends) has been cropping up on different social media sites lately, and I really like it. It makes me long for the day when God will set things right in the world once again, redeeming His creation with a new heaven and a new earth.

Can you just imagine the scene as you read Revelation 21:3-4?

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.

Someday, God himself will dry our tears and end our pain. Someday, we who love Christ will see and understand His plan, and we will no longer "see through a glass darkly." Until then, friends, live in HOPE. Hold on to Him with all you have... Hold On, Pain Ends.

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Day 16 ~ C.S. Lewis on Hope

This quote by one of my favorite authors, C.S. Lewis, perfectly sums up what it means to possess Biblical hope:

"Hope is one of the Theological virtues. This means that a continual looking forward to the eternal world is not (as some modern people think) a form of escapism or wishful thinking, but one of the things a Christian is meant to do. It does not mean that we are to leave the present world as it is. If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next."
 

Are you continually looking forward to the eternal world, yet still being useful for the cause of Christ in the present world? Definitely something to think about!

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Day 15 ~ Building Hope in Your Children

Let’s face it, when you and I were kids, the world seemed to be a better place. Not as violent. Not as immoral. Not as threatening to children. I’m sure this is no news flash to you. So how do we build hope in our children when the world we live in keeps getting worse?

We build it on the sure foundation of Christ.

I remember singing a hymn called “The Solid Rock” as a child. The lyrics started out: “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.”

Isn’t that where we should start with our kids? By teaching them that their hope cannot be based on circumstances or people, but on the promises of God and who they are in Christ?

The song "In Christ Alone" would be a great one to listen to, or better yet, learn together. Even simple songs like “Jesus Loves Me” and “Amazing Grace” can instill hope in a child’s heart at a very young age.

Memorizing scripture is another way to build hope in your children. Right now, our family is trying to commit Psalm 139 to memory. What better way to reinforce the fact that God made us for a specific purpose as he “knit us together” in our mother’s womb! How can you read the words of this beautiful psalm and NOT feel hope?

Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,”
even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.

For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
Psalm 139:7-14 (NIV)

Sometimes I can’t remember my own cell phone number, but the verses I memorized as a child have been seared into my memory forever! And those same verses have given me hope many times just when I needed it. Never underestimate the power of God’s Word to build hope in your children.

Be open with your children about the world we live in. Let them know that the only One who can change this world and offer hope is Jesus. Pray with them when they voice fears and concerns about the future, always pointing them to the Source of true hope.

Even in today’s world, it’s possible to instill hope in your children. The words of Jesus in John 16:33 assure us of true hope: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

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Day 14 ~ Favorite Quotes on Hope

I love words. I've been collecting quotes for as long as I can remember. Here are a few of my favorites on the subject of hope:

Everything that is done is this world is done by hope. ~ Martin Luther
 

Hope is a verb with its shirtsleeves rolled up. ~ David Orr

Hope itself is like a star--not to be seen in the sunshine of prosperity, and only to be discovered in the night of adversity. ~ C. H. Spurgeon

Anything under God's control is never out of control. ~ Charles R. Swindoll

Faith goes up the stairs that love has built and looks out the windows which hope has opened. ~ Charles H. Spurgeon

We're called to be faithful, to take those first difficult steps--and to leave the results up to God. ~ Alex Harris

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Day 13 ~ Their Hope Is Our Hope

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1

Have you ever read Hebrews 11, aka “The Faith Chapter,” and marveled at the faith of the people listed there? It’s like taking a walk through the Saints Hall of Fame… Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses and more.

These were amazing people of God who did amazing things for God. I could never measure up, you might think. But I have good news for you.

Their hope is the same hope we have today.

Their God is the same God we serve today.

Their faith is the same faith we possess today.

So what makes them so “special”?

Hebrews 11:13-16 tell us exactly what was so special about these saints:

1.     They lived by faith to the very end. “All these people were still living by faith when they died.” (v. 13)

2.     They hoped in God’s promises, even though they may not have seen these promises fulfilled in their lifetimes. “They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance.” (v. 13)

3.     They were longing for their heavenly home.  “Instead they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one.” (v. 16)

Can we really possess the same kind of hope and faith as these great saints? Absolutely! Living by faith and having hope in God's promises isn't just for the saints of Bible times. It's just as important today as it was thousands of years ago.

 

I love how The Message wraps up Hebrews 11 and compares the faith of the saints of old to our faith now:

 

Not one of these people, even though their lives of faith were exemplary, got their hands on what was promised. God had a better plan for us: that their faith and our faith would come together to make one completed whole, their lives of faith not complete apart from ours.
 

As Christ followers, we are all part of the larger picture of faith, weaving throughout history as part of God's plan. And someday that glorious plan will be complete, the picture will become crystal clear...

And our faith will become sight.

 

Day 11 ~ Directory of Hope

The promises found in the Bible are like our personal directory of hope in any situation. I'm sure you've probably seen something similar to the list below, but it doesn't hurt to have verses ready (or better yet, memorized) when we need encouragement. What better source to turn to than the words of life spoken by the One who "knit you together" and knows every fiber of your being?

When you’re afraid, see Psalm 34:4.
When you're anxious, see Psalm 46.
When you're discouraged, see Psalm 42:6-11.
When you're facing crisis, see Matthew 6:25-34.
When friends fail you, see 2 Timothy 4:16-18.
When you're feeling bitter, see Ephesians 4:31-32.
When you're needing guidance, see Proverbs 3:5-6.
When you're needing peace, see Philippians 4:6-7.
When you're feeling weary, see Galatians 6:9-10.
When you're tempted, see James 4:7. 

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Day 10 ~ Christ in You, The Hope of Glory

"The mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints... Christ in you, the HOPE of glory." Colossians 1:26-27

Ed McCully, Pete Fleming, and Jim Elliot

Elisabeth Elliot was a young wife and mother when her husband, Jim, was killed while attempting to evangelize the Waodani people of Ecuador.  Instead of turning from God, Elisabeth returned as a missionary to the tribe, living in their midst and ministering to them for two years.

What causes this kind of action in the face of unspeakable tragedy?

 “Christ in you, the hope of glory – I don’t know of any more incredible truth in the Bible than that,” Elisabeth once said.

She certainly lived out that statement in a radical way. What would happen if all Christians truly grasped the idea that Christ IS in us, that He IS our hope? Wouldn’t these seven little words ~ “Christ in you, the hope of glory” ~ so transform our lives that we would do radical things, too?

Our glory in heaven is still to come, but we can be as certain of it as we are of our own names. Christ is in us! He is our hope of glory!

When my washing machine conks out, when my car needs a new transmission, when my bank account balance is non-existent, when my kids disobey, when dinner burns, when words sting, when friends betray, when sickness or physical pain threaten to rob me of my joy… Christ is still there! He’s in me! He is my hope!

This. Is. Amazing. Truth.

If I don’t ever “get” anything else on this earth, I pray that God will reveal the truth of these seven little words to me: “Christ in you, the hope of glory!”
 

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Day 9 ~ In Christ Alone

Modern day hymn writers Keith and Kristyn Getty released a new album today, "Hymns for the Christian Life." I had the privilege of hearing the Gettys perform last month at the True Woman conference in Indianapolis (my second time to hear them live), and they did not disappoint. Their soul stirring lyrics and beautiful melodies always fill my soul with praise and worship for our beautiful Savior.

One of their most popular songs, "In Christ Alone," perfectly encapsulates the idea of our hope as Christians and why we have reason to hope:

In Christ alone, my hope is found

He is my light, my strength, my song...

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Day 8 ~ All Creation Hopes

 

Image from WildIndiana.com

 

We saw glimpses of the Northern Lights at our house tonight. Ribbons of color wrapped the northern sky with green pulsing to red, and then vanishing as fast as they had appeared, leaving us in a state of awe.

 

At first, we thought we were seeing things. The Northern Lights? In Indiana? We googled it and confirmed that our eyes had not deceived us. Apparently, a huge explosion on the sun recently flung a wave of solar particles toward Earth, and that explosion made it possible for us to view the dazzling display for just a short while.

 

Just glimpses. Sometimes that’s all we see of God, of heaven, of HOPE, through His amazing creation. When we see these small snapshots of eternity, it makes us long for home; it stirs our hearts with hope for something more.

 

Scripture says even creation itself hopes for that day when God will set it free:

 

For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay. Romans 8:19-21

 

Did you catch that? Creation actually longs for the day when it will join us in "glorious freedom from death and decay"! All creation waits in hope. Just like we do.

 

While I wait, I want to enjoy what God has so graciously given. Sunsets, starry nights, brilliant autumn leaves, fluffy clouds dotting a dazzling blue sky… I want to appreciate these glimpses of hope and see them for what they really are. Previews of what’s to come, when God redeems His creation.

 

This is our true hope. Someday we will see with new eyes, and everything will make perfect sense.

 

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Day 7 ~ Hope for a New Week

Source: media-cache8.pinterest.com via Jane on Pinterest

Ever have one of those crazy busy weekends? One that feels almost like it will be a vacation to get back to Monday? Well, that was my weekend, and with Monday in mind, I thought I'd share this great photo/quote I found on Pinterest. The following Scripture goes perfectly with it, too, and I hope it will encourage you as you start your week!

Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Jeremiah 17:7-8

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Day 5 ~ Song of Hope

 

Christian artist and songwriter Aaron Shust is no stranger to painful circumstances. While Shust was recording his last album, his son, Nicky, was diagnosed with a rare disease of the esophagus, and his grandmother was dying.

Shust says on his website: “Through all of the sickness and heartache and loss, my family has run to God and his promises. We’ve been forced to our knees, but this trial has made life exponentially more meaningful. And through it all, God has never left us. He brought strength to our weakness, peace to our uncertainty, and healing to our wounds. He’s given us the grace to handle what we didn’t believe we could. And ultimately, he’s let us experience the joy of seeing his miraculous grace at work. To witness your own child being healed of something that doctors told you was permanent, painful and incurable—well, if that doesn’t move your heart to worship, I don’t suppose there’s anything that will.”

On his latest album, This Is What We Believe, Shust performs the powerful ballad, "My Hope Is In You." The chorus epitomizes the kind of hope I've been discussing in this series:

My hope is in You, Lord
All the day long, I won't be shaken by drought or storm
A peace that passes understanding is my song
And I sing, my hope is in You, Lord

May this song be the cry of my heart and yours tonight as we put our hope and trust in the One who not only created us but knows us each by name! My hope is in you, Lord!

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Day 4 ~ Hope: An Emotion or an Action?

A few days ago, I was talking with a friend about this series, and she said something I didn’t expect to hear.

"I think hope is an emotion, at least partly, and I can say I don't remember feeling it... just once in the past few years.”

My initial reaction was to feel sadness for my friend. Had she really only felt hope once in a few years? My heart hurt for her. But her statement really got me thinking. Is hope truly just an emotion? Or is it something more?

Consider the many uses of the word “hope” in the Psalms, undoubtedly one of the Bible’s most emotional books. Here are just a few references to hope as an action, something more than just a feeling:

“No one who ever hopes in you will be put to shame.” Psalm 25:4

“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.” Psalm 31:24

“May your unfailing love be with us, LORD, even as we put our hope in you.” Psalm 33:22

“Hope in the LORD and keep his way.” Psalm 37:34

These passages seem to suggest action on our part rather than a passive feeling based on circumstances. Put your hope in God.

Sometimes it may be a hard choice. When things just don’t seem to make sense, we have to make a conscious decision to hope, to trust, to praise. The “feeling” of hope may come later: “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” Psalm 42:5

Obviously, the psalmist was not feeling hopeful when he wrote this psalm, but his “self-talk” was correct. He knew that if he put his hope in God, he would once again praise Him – someday.

This hope is for all times in our lives. It’s a hope for the “good” days as well as the bad; it’s a daily walk, a dependence on God as our ONLY hope in this fallen world.

This hope changes everything.

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