I've been reading through Psalm 119 this last week and this morning as I read verse 116, I was burdened for those who are struggling with hopelessness. "Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live, and let me not be put to shame in my hope", the verse reads. I began to remember the many times and situations that I, myself, struggled with hopelessness - when I was sure God was going to come through with a financial miracle and instead we went through a season of great loss - when someone hurt and betrayed me and the relationship never recovered - in dealing with a chronic pain issue - in a long, long season of not seeing an answer to a deep heart prayer - in a two year struggle with depression - in watching my daughter struggle through over a decade of infertility and miscarriage. I'm sure it wouldn't be hard for me to recollect other times when it felt like I was barely holding on by a thread to the rope of hope.
(Join me for the rest of this post on Sunday, August 13th, at Woman to Woman Ministries where each Sunday I share a bit of Sunday Soul Food!)
still following,
Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteI struggle with hope too, when the end is not in sight. We struggled with infertility as well for two years and I know your daughter's heartache. Hope deferred is such a hard thing to swallow...Thank you for sharing your thoughts and that lovely reminder from Proverbs.
It's so strange, but all three of my grown daughters faced hope deferred-two with infertility and one with being single into her thirties...all three, of course, resulted in hope deferred in regards to procreation, fruitfulness and giving life. Yet, there is a deepness and richness in their walks with God that I'm not sure would have been there if they hadn't been though this. It was excruciating as a mom to watch them hurting. Now the oldest has two miracle daughters, the second born has two miracles via adoption and when they were 10 and 11 a surprise biological baby after 13 years of marriage without conceiving. Our youngest was married two years ago and just had her firstborn in May. It's true, when the desire comes to pass it is a tree of life...the rest of that verse about hope deferred.
DeleteSo thankful for that "rope of hope." God extends it through Scripture and, I believe, also through the love and concern of His people. Sometimes I am slow to respond, so thanks for this reminder -- I need them frequently!
ReplyDeleteYes, I so agree that the Word is our key to surviving and thriving!
DeleteI think everyone can relate to your remarks today. We've all struggled at times with those feelings of hopelessness. Isn't it glorious when we trust God anyway and get to the other side of those feelings? When we can look back and see parts of His grand plan? I like how Michele put it. God extends His "rope of hope" through Scripture.
ReplyDeleteHis Word has been my sustained me and strengthened me more times than I can count, that is for sure!
DeleteThank you for sharing such encouragement!
ReplyDeleteAnd you as well! God bless you, Joanne!
DeleteI like as you say looking back in the rearview mirror. I've done a lot of that since retirement 9 years ago, and in my early 60's. But, I also saw a reflection as you have of the things that were being done to take care of me that I just went slipshod about my life and not realizing the grace that was being given. I was taken care of by God, and once I realized that, I have to give him thanks every day for his caring enough to see that even though things weren't always the best of times, I made it through til now. Such great reminder post you share. He is there even when we aren't giving him his due credit.
ReplyDeleteLove the Scripture you share of his promise of hope. It brings to my minds eye him there with arms open as we rush to meet our maker, and what a hug that will be. :)
I appreciate you so much and love to read of the way God has so faithfully worked in your life!
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