So much in this world seeks to wound us. And in the wounding steals our Hope. At times, awash in grief, or simply noting the tragedy in the headlines, we wonder if Hope even has value anymore. But true, biblical Hope offers the most powerful answer to life’s sufferings. This month my One Word Friend revealed an important truth; Hope heals your heart.
When overcome by the relentlessness of life’s hardships, clinging to the unwavering Presence of God infuses you with a Hope which heals your heart.
The billows of suffering often push us to the edge of disillusionment as we see no end in sight. Like one drowning, we grasp for Hope in the wrong places, ultimately sinking further into despair.
With a mere three months remaining in my One Word journey, Hope lessons abound, speaking deeply into my life. I created a special page on my blog where all my Hope posts live, please take the time to acquaint yourself with the wonders of my journey with this magnificent word.
Hope Heals Perspective
Recently reading Psalm 31, two verses stood out, speaking directly to the emotional state of my heart:
“Praise be to the Lord, for he showed me the wonders of his love when I was in a city under siege. In my alarm I said, “I am cut off from your sight!” Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help.”
David, as the psalmist, speaks throughout the psalm of the terrors of his current suffering, culminating in his description of feeling trapped and hidden in his suffering from God.
Sadly, that was a reality all too familiar for me; a reality all too familiar for many of us.
Hope heals our perspective by reminding us of God’s ever-present love and mercy lavished upon us whenever we cry to Him in our sorrow.
Far beyond mere optimism for a good outcome, Hope demonstrates an unshakeable trust in the character of God despite what circumstances may shout to us. Throughout Psalm 31, David not only cries out in trouble, but proclaims God’s immutable character.
“How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you,
that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you. In the shelter of your presence you hide them from all human intrigues, you keep them safe in your dwelling from accusing tongues.”
Hope Heals Powerlessness
As our perspective receives healing, we begin seeing the true source of all Hope rests in God alone. Like David, we anchor our souls in true Hope found in our relationship with God.
Secure in the time proven character of God within our relationship with Him, we tap into strength and courage which transcends our circumstances.
Placing our Hope in the Lors results not in passivity, but in active trust, empowering us to face the challenges and hardships of life designed to conform us to the image of Christ.
“Love the Lord, all his faithful people! The Lord preserves those who are true to him, but the proud he pays back in full. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.”
Hope Heals Your Heart
When life’s hardships inflict their wounds, Hope heals your perspective reminding you of God’s ever-present love and mercy freely available for the asking.
Hope heals your feelings of powerlessness in the midst of turmoil and suffering by grounding you in the steadfastness of God’s time proven character within your relationship with Him.
Ultimately, Hope heals your heart in the binding up of your wounds with the wonders of His unfailing love demonstrated in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
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Donna, hope is powerful. I’ve found in the darkest seasons of my life keeping my hope in God and fixing my eyes on Him does much to calm an anxious heart. I love what you said here: “Hope heals our perspective by reminding us of God’s ever-present love and mercy lavished upon us whenever we cry to Him in our sorrow.” Thanks for sharing these gentle, eternal truths.
Thank you, Jeanne for your thoughts! Hope is a very powerful word when sourced in God!
I love these reminders to tap into Hope more often, Donna. Thank you for the encouraging words to find healing in his Presence. I appreciate your consistency in sharing your messages of hope!
Thank you, Lisa, for your kind words, following Hope this year has been truly eye opening.
His Presence does infuse hope into our hearts, Donna. And I think the healing aspect is that it’s not so much the earthly outcome that matters as the fact we know the eternal outcome already. We know He will never leave us nor forsake us here or ever which brings such comfort and hope to our hearts – through any trial we may be enduring.
This sentence brought such encouragement today. “Hope demonstrates an unshakeable trust in the character of God despite what circumstances may shout to us.” Hope keeps pointing us to the character of God, which is sure and unchanging. As we receive the assurance hope brings, our lives also become rooted, held secure by unwavering trust in God. Thank you, friend, for this precious reminder.
Thank you, Joanne, for sitting with my post on Hope today! I am continually amazed at the power Hope holds in our lives, and its work to move us into deeper intimacy with Christ.
Hope is a cornerstone to carry-on, isn’t it? I’ve been thinking about how hope changes our perspective. And when we pray, we open up our hearts to God’s sovereignty where all our hope resides. He calms our anxious hearts.
Lynn, Hope is a powerful antidote to hardship. Yet we seldom tap into its power! I have been noticing the amazing power of Hope to change my perspective even in the hardest places.