HOPE
Little did I know how crucial hope would be in 2021.
It was my word for the year. It seemed too simple. Psh, God, you know I have hope. I repeated Romans 15:13 so many times as I crunched around the mountain behind my house in 2020. What about something more fun? Powerful?
But now I realize, without it – there is no power, no purpose, or motivation to do anything. I tasted some pits of depression in the past two years, especially grieving Dad’s passing. How can I long for something when the other person is gone?
God brought hope through new relationships with father figures only days from the first anniversary of my dad’s death. One called from “across the pond,” a gentle English man with a father’s heart to encourage and bless my book marketing. He poured several hours into brainstorming ideas, praying, and encouraging my efforts. Another friend began texting me scripture and praying for my family. At a conference we were at, the Lord told him, “Go over and encourage Sarah; she needs some hope.” I would never have dared to ask for those prayers or say, “I’m struggling. Can you pray for me?” But the Lord knew. I was seen and loved.
As I reflect, I see the hope I had before was tied to my efforts and outcomes. But God’s hope is immeasurably more! When I longed for book sales, he gave me a kind word from one person or another who was impacted by my story. Amazon didn’t blow up from sales, but slowly, the words I wrote in obedience are blessing those who read it.
Hope is lasting and extends to eternal things. God invited me to hope for my season and new ones to come.
The Lord brought hope:
- Through challenging transitions to a new city and state,
- To make new friends and build community,
- that he will still be with me and speak,
- I will feel his love and assuring presence,
- For delight in the day-to-day – even in the hard moments of mothering an inquisitive toddler,
- to pray for my daughter’s future as a wee acorn which will one day be a mighty oak along a stream of glittering water and,
- For restoration of nations and generations.
And for so much more. I think I’m getting the hang of this hope thing, but I know it’s only just the start of a wild, beautiful journey with my God of hope.
So I carry these dreams into the new year. Without hope, I can’t run after what God has for me in 2022: to soar.
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31
But more on soaring next week.
Determine your word for the new year
Prayerfully discover your word for this year with this free guide I created!