My Hope Lives On

August 8, 2016 | My Jottings

It seems to me people are looking for hope. But that’s nothing terribly new, is it? With all that’s going on in our country’s presidential campaigns, I’ve heard people say they’ve just lost hope. I am gravely concerned as well, but when I think of the word “hopeless” I think more of times when I’ve been torn apart by worries for my children. I guess I’m selfish in that way, being more concerned for my own than for my country as a whole. Or at least being more moved to pray for those I love than I am for those in positions over me.

I also remember how hopeless I felt trying to care for Michael as he slipped further away from me into Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s. Sometimes I feel despair about the struggles in my own life.

What is the main thing you might be feeling hopeless about?

I may not know what you’re wrestling with, and I might not even know who you are if you read here and don’t leave a comment. But I know there is hope for the one who places their trust in Jesus. No matter how long your situation has gone on, no matter how vehemently you’re being opposed, no matter how strong the addiction, how deep the depression…. I know there’s hope with God. And it doesn’t always matter that we don’t see anything happening. If we pray and trust Jesus, He promises that He is at work. And while we wait on Him, we encourage ourselves and others. And we declare His truths to ourselves.

I love this song by Andrew Peterson and thought I would share. There are a lot of people and situations that call us all to hopelessness these days, but the Lord isn’t one of them.

“Why, my soul, are you downcast?
    Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
    for I will yet praise him,
    my Savior and my God.”

Psalm 42:11

I think this song will fill your soul with hope….

In His great hope,

Comments

  1. Mariah says:

    Hello Julie,

    I just read your last handful of posts this evening…I’ve had some catching up to do! Your words are so heartfelt, so poignant, so moving to me that I had to comment and say that I don’t know what to say but thank you for sharing your heart so openly. You write so beautifully, but, and I’ve mentioned this before, you write as if we were conversing across the table sharing a cup of something hot and delicious. Love that! I’m so sorry to hear of your various issues…58 being the new 76 and all that goes with that, but at the same time so delighted at the image of Millie’s eyebrows behind the fluffy covers. So sorry to hear about Edith, and so interested to hear about your luncheon with the ladies. But most of all, I love hearing about your love for Jesus! You encourage my faith and relationship with Him, and your words couldn’t be more true…that one day we will all be together in Eternity with no more endings, and no more goodbyes! In the meantime, however, there is so much life to be lived and I love reading about yours! Thank you for sharing!

  2. Just Julie says:

    Mariah I hardly know what to say. Thank you. Your words have lifted my heart this morning and I’m grateful. How wonderful we can get to know each other like this from so far away. God bless your day, friend. xoxo

  3. Kay says:

    Hopeless? No, I don’t believe so. Life keeps throwing its worst at us, but we hold on to the FACT that our God is good!
    The older I get and the more trials I go through, the more I realise that putting my hope and trust in Him is the only way.
    Continuing health problems and a very sad family development
    will not be allowed to steal our God-given joy!
    Thank you for your helpful posts dear Julie. Like Mariah I find your words encourage me to lean on my faith in our Saviour.
    Only this afternoon I started thinking about my next BIG birthday, and then it struck me! Our eternal life has already started! There’s so much to look forward to.
    Aging has never seemed such a positive experience. 😉 xxx

    p.s. Did you receive the email I sent to you a few weeks ago?
    I’m just checking because we’ve been having problems with our servers.

  4. Just Julie says:

    Oh Kay… I will email you. No, I did not get your email! Love to you and Alan… xoxoxoxo

  5. Ganeida says:

    My hope is built on nothing less
    Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
    I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
    But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
    On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
    All other ground is sinking sand.Edward Mote. 🙂

    Thinking of you this morning.

  6. Just Julie says:

    Yes. Nothing, no one, but Him, Ganeida. Thank you for the beautiful reminder. xoxo

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