Friday, January 13, 2012

Hope

I have shared this thought recently with someone very dear to me and also a darling blog reader.  I honestly cannot get this out of my head, which means to me that someone else needs to hear it.  So I share.  

The ever-spiritual and sweetheart Sharon, a friend from church, asked me to think of something I really, really want this year.  She then said to think about that thing in application to this quote:

"Hope is an abiding trust that the Lord will fulfill His promises to you.  It is manifest in confidence, optimism, enthusiasm, and patient perseverance.  It is believing and expecting that something will occur.  When you have hope, you work through trials and difficulties with the confidence and assurance that all things will work together for your good.  Hope helps you conquer discouragement."  - Preach My Gospel p. 117.

I absolutely love this quote.  I've always felt this way about life, but could never quite pinpoint the words.  I could let discouragement get me down for not being or having everything I've ever dreamed of, but I know the Lord has made promises to me that He will keep...promises for His dreams for my life and the greater purpose therein.  I know He is directing my paths, even when I haven't a clue what's going on.  At times I have longed that He could hold me in His arms and comfort me, and those times are when I have felt on overwhelming spiritual assurance and warmth that He is there with me.  I trust in the Lord.  My hope for my life rests in knowing that He will fulfill these promises.  I can move forward each day with optimism, enthusiasm and patience because I know it will all work out.

1 comment:

S.R. Braddy said...

Okay, I MAY have needed to hear this today. Thanks!