A New Year. And That’s Good

hopeHope.

Whatever you’re facing; (and even if you’re refusing to face it).

Not a wishy-washy sense that everything will be okay.

Not a feeling or a temperament.

Not a stake in something that can be torn away.

Hope.

Not something you work up by yourself.

Not dependent on those around you.

Not about your house or your health or your happiness.

Hope.

Not for other people.

Not for when you’ve earned it and ticked off your list.

Not for when the holiday comes or you catch up on sleep.

Not for when you’re better or worse or anywhere but here.

Hope.

This moment.

As you read this.  As you run for your train.  As you make the lunch and drive the car and open the computer and feed the dogs. As you sorrow and as you laugh. Every challenge, every heartbreak, every celebration. Hope.

 

A fact, not a feeling.

A gift, not a reward.

 

Hope.

“Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27).

“an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” (Hebrews 6:19)

“on Him we have set our hope” (2 Corinthians 1:10).

“And hope does not disappoint.” (Romans 5:5)

 

Whatever you are facing and whatever you may feel. Now. Tomorrow.  And forever.

 

 

7 thoughts on “A New Year. And That’s Good

  1. “Whatever you are facing and whatever you may feel. Now. Tomorrow. And forever.” Yes, because Hope is a Person! I’ve just been thinking on this today, trying to “talk truth to myself” rather than “listen to myself” in the midst of fears. Thanks, Emma! So good to hear the good news that Jesus IS hope, coming to me from outside of me.

  2. Thank you for the reminder that there is always hope. I’m feeling very wobbly about the start of the New Year (and the end of a truly horrendous one) and speculating about what might be in store. I need to remember that whatever happens, there’s always that constant.

  3. Think I sometimes confuse change with hope. I am always looking for change, something to make things better, when that doesn’t happen I am so easily destroyed. Hope is a constant that transcends, and a person for sure. Thanks guys.

  4. Have you thought about writing another book Emma, bringing the themes together? I for one could do with something to draw from and you are unique in what you do.
    What to hope in, God or good psychology, that is my current dilemma as sometimes they seem completely incompatible. If God, could he please give me at least a little something to keep me going in the right direction each day, or a miracle would be even better!

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