My Hope is on the Lord!

 The Butterfly Messages is a ministry from our Church that sends scripture passages along with quotes from believers who have said something that is in line with a particular Bible verse.  Today's messages included a quote from Pastor Rick Warren and a verse from Isaiah 40:2 as printed below:

“What gives me the most hope every day is God’s grace; knowing that His grace is going to give me the strength for whatever I face, knowing that nothing is a surprise to God.” (Rick Warren)

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, the will not sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” (Isaiah 40:2)  NIV

I wanted to print them here because I want to make sure I remember these truths always.  I feel like this year, the year I designated as the year of Hoping while I Wait, back on New Year's Day, has been, indeed, a year in which I have been searching for hope...desperately.  

So often lately, I have been falling in the trap of feeling hopeless.  And I'm tired of it.  Work responsibilities have been bringing me down...tragedy and insecurity...the never-ending-pandemic...canceled plans and loss have all contributed to a state of disappointed hope...but...when I read Pastor Rick Warren's words, I'm reminded of the truth:  My Hope is in the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth! (Psalm 121: 1) My Hope is in Jesus. PERIOD! He is the One who is with me when I pass through the waters.  He is the One who holds on to me so the current doesn't sweep over me.  He is the One who walks with me through the fire so I don't get burned...because He is the One who absorbers the flames so I'm not set ablaze.  My strength is in His grace...not on my own flesh or intellect.  I am free because He is the One who fights my battles.  

I just need to be still and remember all these.

That's why we cannot tire of sharing His Word...because we never know who is going to be touched by it.  His Word never returns empty.  (Isaiah 55: 11)  So, let's not forget to always send it out...daily.

Today, as I'm again feeling the weight of exhaustion and conflict laying on my shoulders, I lift up my head and say:  I trust You, Lord.  You are my Hope and my Deliverer.  Who can be against me? My strength is in You.  You will overcome for me.  Nothing is a surprise to You.  I will rest in the shadow of Your wings.

In the precious name of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ.  Amen!