Had you asked me about hope a year or two ago, my answer would have been vague.
Hope was like a wish to me – some undefined, good thing God had for me later. It took the edge off the hard days, but the real substance was in what I did here and now. Plans, structure, and routine – that is my preferred way to navigate life.
Like they did for most of the world, the events of 2020 hit our family like a whirlwind.
In mid-March, I was preparing for a new season with both kids in school full time. Just a few weeks later, not only were my kids no longer in school, my husband had an unexpected end date to his job.
Much of our stability was uprooted in just a matter of days.
Yet during these stressful changes, I began to realize how much I had shortchanged hope. Instead of being an elusive, someday dream – it was the anchor to my days.
When my frustration bubbled over into full on angry yelling, it was a whisper of forgiveness.
When the worries of unknown finances were on repeat, God slipped in a reminder of His faithfulness.
Over and over, I found reminders of truth trickling into the cracks of the broken place we lived in:
“My times are in your hand…”
“Step by step, You’ll lead me…”
“Your kingdom come; Your will be done…”
“If it’s the Lord’s will…”
“A hope that does not disappoint…”
Gentle assurances of a foundation built on something more than human plans started to change my heart. There are still many days where the unknowns threaten to undo me and stress comes out sideways, but I find myself returning more and more to this definition of hope:
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
May we celebrate the Savior that came to give us a solid hope in the only reliable result: Himself!
We hope you’ll join us in celebrating Advent this season. Find additional Advent content here!
