Sunday, June 30, 2019

The depth of HOPE...

There have been many heart changes for me since moving into our own home just over nine months ago. Changes which have caused my life to alter direction in the way I plan, how I approach trials, the way I steward what God has gifted us, the value I give to everyday life, and the depth of appreciation I now have for the simplest and often most basic prayers...prayers which have taken me from a sometime-place of doubtful hope to an everyday-place of earnest delight and hope in the Lord's response. 

At age 60, there's a lot of years to look back over. Years without Jesus, and even more years with Jesus. Those years have given me much about life to reflect on and yes, much to regret...but there is far more that I cherish beyond measure because through the deepest, darkest valleys and up to highest peaks, I was never alone, not once. The Lord Jesus was by my side in good time and hard time, step by weary step, wiping away tear after tear, celebrating my overflowing joys, laughing with me at the silliest most wonderful moments, prompting me forward when I wanted to stay behind, holding me back if the way forward was fraught with dangers. 

I cannot express to you the absolute HOPE which continues to bloom and flourish in my heart with each day lived in His presence. HOPE which is boundless, HOPE which shines as a bright beacon of love and safety when the foggy moments of life tempt me to hide. 

This life is not perfect, it never was and never will be. Some of my scars go deeper than you could ever imagine, yet it is Jesus alone Who reaches down to lift my soul and draw me close to His perfect loving heart when the depths of grief and sorrow threaten my sanity. 

And this Saviour of ours, this Man of Sorrows who came to earth so He could take upon Himself the sins of the world, doesn't just hold me up, He's waiting to hold you up too. No matter what your circumstance. When you HOPE in Jesus and genuinely call on His name - "Lord Jesus, I need you, help me" - He will answer, He will respond, He WILL be there. 

I am indeed blessed. 
Because I trust in the Lord and my HOPE is always in Him.

May our precious Lord meet you today, right where you are. May His boundless HOPE fill your heart and prayers. May His grace and mercy flow abundantly over your life and shine everlasting Light through the darkness. 
May your heart be brave and courageous to trust Him, to really trust Him like you never have before, so that His peace which surpasses all understanding floods into your heart. 

hugs


I am not ashamed to declare my allegiance to Christ.
I am His alone, bought with a blood price that none can compare.


14 comments:

Angela said...

Amen sister! God bless you today and always.x

Darlene said...

Amen! So grateful for the peace that surpasses all understanding in His precious name (Philippians 4:7), this sentence alone is filled with such abundance no one can imagine till they experience that peace and it only comes through Him.

Robin in New Jersey said...

Beautiful words! Thanking God today for giving us hope through Jesus.

Trina O'Quinn said...

This is my favorite Bible Verse. Everyday when I journal to God I end it thanking him the Peace That surpasses all understanding through Jesus The Christ.

Trina O'Quinn said...

Jenny:
As I read your Blog this morning (6:55 AM Pacific Daylight Time) I thought of my three favorite hymns: Eagle's Wings, What a Friend We Have in Jesus, and Jesus Loves The Little Children. Bless you for the work and inspiration. God Forgives and Forgets, we are the ones that move not him.

Dots said...

Jenny, you are not alone in what you write. I too, have been in many of those places. Regrets a many, Blessings a many, as well. But I try to practice 'not looking back' as much as I can. Otherwise I get to much in my head that would depress me. Instead I focus on just counting my blessings. That is way better for me. We all have failed many times. But we hang in there because we know Jesus and all the Father's Good book. We focus on The King. That keeps us on the true path. Plus Jenny, There is way more good in store for all of us ahead. God is a good, good, Father. God bless. I appreciate all your words.

GrammaGrits said...

Beautiful words that blessed hearts today! Thank you . . .

Nanna Chel said...

Thanks Jenny. If we don't have hope life can be very dismal. You have nailed it on the head once again. Have a blessed week.

Lilac Joan said...

My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' Blood and Righteousness!

Tammy said...

I move forward and ty not to look back...And hope aplenty is what I build my life and dreams upon. God has carried me from many a dark place and placed me in the sunshine. Enjoy your day or night my friend.Thank you for so much inspiration and Christian love.

Susan said...

Thank you, Jenny. Sore hearts need hope, and your reminder is beautiful and gracious and grateful.

Carrie @ Cottage Cozy said...

Your words have touched me deeply today - thank you for sharing your walk with the Lord and being so transparent. Blessings...your "grands" are just adorable. I shall be a first time Grandmother soon :)

KingsailK said...

Thank you Jenny,my Friend Elaine died last Monday,I am so sad ,she loved the Lord with all her heart.She was 62!,only 2weeks between us.She has gone Home.Prayer for her husband John and Euan their son.Hugsxc

KingsailK said...

What a FRIEND we have in Jesus all our Sins and grieves to bear ,what a privilege tocarry everything to God in Prayerxx