Hope

~spe enim salvi facti sumus spes autem~



...for we are saved by hope....


[Romans 8:24]



Many times in life, we don't know what's around the corner. Many times we feel disappointed by life - we haven't achieved what we expected, haven't be treated how we feel we deserved to be treated, or somehow just feel cheated out of what we think will make us happy.

We sometimes get so caught up in wishing for things to be different, we do not recognize the potential for today, the joy that lies in who, what and where we are right now.

Acknowledging our present circumstance and learning to be comfortable in our own skin is the first step in getting ready for the future... and in restoring hope - hope in ourselves, hope in those around us, and hope for the future. Hope isn't always easy; trust me, I know how circumstances can press you beyond measure and beyond hope at times. Those are the times we need to reach deep down and find hope within us or reach out and ride on the hope of those around us.

Being who I am, my hope is in Father - "si autem quod non videmus speramus per patientiam expectamus - But if we hope for that which we see not, we wait for it with patience" [Romans 8:25]... and He has yet to disappoint. :) I was struck by a scripture recently, and it renewed within me the commitment to always hope [speaking of Abraham who Father promised a son when he and his wife were 90 years old]: "...who, contrary to hope, in hope believed.." Hoping is an action; I can choose to hope.

So, if you are squashed a bit by life - give it time - or like a dear friend would advise me "let it breathe." Hope can be found, if you seek it.

Psalm 43:5 (King James Version)

5Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.