There are many things that we hope for in our lives. We all wish for happy families, food, clothes, friendships, love, security, purpose, joy, forgiveness, peace… The list is unending. Sometimes our hopes are realized and sometimes there is disappointment after disappointment. I believe, though, that no matter what our situation, we can look for reminders of hope throughout our days.
Hope is not found in ourselves, but in God, our Creator, our Redeemer, our Lord.
When we focus on ourselves and all the trials and hurts and fears, it is hard to find that glimmer of hope. It seems all is lost, all is darkness and we wonder what’s the use of going on if nothing ever changes and we are stuck in a rut. When we focus on God we can find a peace that transcends our circumstances.
There are things in my life now that would keep me feeling down all the time if I let my mind dwell on them. But when I remember to turn my attention to God, that He is good even when bad things are happening, I do get a sense of peace.
I know that one day all wrongs will be made right. So I choose to trust and believe God even if I can’t see the good in a situation.
Reminders of Hope
Besides meditation on Scripture and praying, there are beautiful things in my life to remind me that God is working in this world. There are relationships with people who show me love, who enjoy being with me, who really lift my spirits.
One of my granddaughters loves to work in an art journal with me. We have a lovely time working together. It’s not a masterpiece by any means, but the beauty is in the love we share as we take turns placing things on the page. How could I despair of hope when there is so much enjoyment in her eyes?
It’s been awhile since we did a journal page together, but we usually do some kind of art when we get together. Here’s a page we did some time ago:
Reminders in Nature
When I look at the beauty of creation, it reminds me of just how big and wonderful my God is. He holds the world in place, brings each season in its time. In winter when we are so tired of the cold, we know that spring is not far behind, bringing new life, growth and warmth.
Then spring rolls into summer bringing lots of heat but also beauty as the flowers bloom and we enjoy the outdoors. When we think we can’t take any more heat, autumn comes rushing in with cooler temperatures burst of flaming color as the leaves change.
Before we know it winter is back again bringing with it the hope of logs crackling on fireplaces, steaming mugs of hot cocoa to warm our insides. And the cycle continues year after year showing us the faithfulness of God.
Hope Shared in Poetry
During the time of Advent in 2014, I wrote a poem about hope I’d like to share again here.
Hope comes searching in the night
when belief is wearing thin,
shining glimmers of her light
upon a world fraught with sin.
Can we see her reaching out?
Hope gives us a piece of truth,
healing balm our souls may grasp,
as reaching forth in the night
we seek something real to clasp.
Will we ever find that truth?
Hope is not a fairy tale
giving false security.
Hope is always in our sight
wrapped in clothes of purity.
Why is it so hard to trust?
Hope that comes from God is sure,
shown by prophecies fulfilled.
Jesus came when time was right
His great love could not be stilled.
Will He help me to believe?
Hope will never disappoint,
though shadows try to cover.
Beams burst forth now, ever bright
reminding us forever,
Our perfect Hope is Jesus.
~gsw~
How about you? Where do you find reminders of hope? I’d love for you to share your thoughts in the comments.
I’m linking up with: #InspireMeMonday
I love your heart-stirring poem on hope, Gayl. And what precious memories to be doing art journaling together with your grand-daughter! Nature is a huge reminder of God’s faithfulness and care over us. God breathes hope into my heart as He reminds me He is still in control and He is greater than any trouble in our lives. Thank you for your encouragement today. Love and blessings to you!
Thank you, Trudy. Yes, I have some good memories of our journaling together. Yes, like you I find hope remembering that God is in control and nothing can thwart His purposes. Love and hugs and blessings to you, dear Trudy! xo
Dear Gayl, I love these precious gifts that point us to the Hope of Christ! What a precious time you must have had as you shared creative times with your granddaughter. Those memories will last forever. And I was so touched by the way that you bring such deep questions through your poem, and then find that every question is answered in Jesus our perfect hope. Amen. Blessings, love and long-distance hugs! xoxo
Thank you, Bettie. I’m so glad you found encouragement here. Yes, those memories will last for sure. It’s such a comfort that Jesus is our perfect hope and can answer every question we will ever have. Much love to you, dear sister, with hugs and blessings! xoxo
I am drawn to your comfortable, peaceful site and the words you choose to express yourself. The poem is beautiful, what would we do without our hope in Jesus?
Thank you, Nancy. I’m so glad you find comfort and peace here. I don’t know what we would do without the sure hope we have in Jesus. I am so thankful that He is in control and I don’t need to worry. Blessings to you, dear Nancy!
Your poem is wonderful and your reminder that we can find hope in dark times if we look to the Light of Jesus! Thank you for this massage Gayl!
Thank you so much, Cindy. Blessings to you! xo
I LOVE your painting that you shared! Some of my best memories with my grandma were doing art and drama together. I loved being creative with her and that deeply impacted my own level of creativity. What a treasure to make this time with your granddaughter and encourage our creativity as well!
Thank you so much, Ginger, for your encouragement! I didn’t get much time with my maternal grandmother because we didn’t live very near. We only saw each other about twice a year. My other grandmother lived next door a good bit of my childhood, but we didn’t do a lot together. Still, it was nice having her close. I love spending time with my grandchildren. I hope it does make a good impact on their lives now and in the future. Blessings to you! Thanks so much for visiting.