hope

hope



This morning I was reflecting on the idea of hope. What is "Hope in God"?
Lately I have been struggling with the reality of my own lack of understanding regarding hope in God. I want it, but sometimes the distance from the things I hope for clouds my perspective in being able to see God at work.
The Psalmist says "Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God."
A downcast soul is easily acquired in my opinion. The greater loves in life are squashed under the professional pursuits during the demanding daytime hours. Quickly, a deep breath is converted to a sigh. A gut-busting laugh is diminished to a grin, and ours eyes are glued to the clock with no time to catch a glimpse of the new blooms of spring. Our souls become disturbed and distant.
When should hope enter the picture? At what moment will we allow hope to take the stage?
"I will yet praise him". The phrase suggests "praise" no matter what. I think a friend of mine said it best when he encouraged me to only ask God about the "next step". Our present concern should be our literal next step. What does Jesus want us to do or where should we go? Hope lies in the next step. Hope is in the movement of my foot placed in front of the other. Hope is in the inhale before the exhale. Hope is the lingering kiss with my wife. Hope is in the next word, the next room, and the next line.
My brother is getting married in June. He and his fiancee have made "Hope" a very large part of their journey together. The word has deep meaning to who they are individually and who they are as "one".

Hope in God.