Between our January and February meetings of our SALT (adult education) team, we were asked to spend time thinking about and answering the question, “What brings you hope?” Before I provide my list, please take a moment to think about what brings you hope. What used to bring you hope before COVID-19? What brings you hope now in the midst of our lockdown?
One of my favorite songs is called, “I Have This Hope” by the group Tenth Avenue North. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBg9jHQtE44
Below are some of the lyrics:
As I walk this great unknown
Questions come and
questions go
Was there purpose for
the pain?
Did I cry these tears in
vain?
I don’t want to live in fear
I want to trust that You
are near
Trust Your grace can be
seen
In both triumph and
tragedy
I have this hope
In the depth of my soul
In the flood or the fire
You’re with me and You
won’t let go
But sometimes my faith feels thin
Like the night will
never end
Will You catch every
tear
Or will You just leave
me here?
So, whatever happens I will not be afraid
Cause You are closer
than this breath that I take
You calm the storm when
I hear You call my name
I still believe that one
day I’ll see Your face
I have this hope
In the depth of my soul
In the flood or the fire
You’re with me and You
won’t let go.
Here is my list of things that bring me hope:
- New days and early mornings
- Quiet and solitude
- Certain music
- The outdoors, natural beauty and sunshine
- Truth, spoken and written
- Meaningful conversations
- Seeing God work and weave in my life and in the lives of others
By now in our time of staying home, you have probably experienced moments or even days of feeling down or hopeless. In those times, what brings you hope? Are you able to remember those things that buoy you?
Thank you, God, for your gift of Hope even during hard times. As we walk this great unknown, remind us that you love us and are with us always. Today we ask for your wisdom, strength, peace and hope in new and deeper ways. Amen.
Jeremiah 29:11-13, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
