Everytime I put on my walking shoes, Luna gets very excited. Usually what this means to her is a walk. I never learn here, so bear with me. I put on my shoes. Then I walk back to my room and get my phone…unless I put that on the table. Yep. I put it on the table, oh, but my headphones…all the while, Luna is jumping and running in circles sure this means a walk. She hopes for what is not reality at this moment. All she knows is I put on my shoes. No leash. No bags. Oh, but when I grab the leash, THEN SHE KNOWS. It is time. Hope realized.
These last few days I have taken my time reading through Romans 5 and posting about it. Today, we are looking at the word, hope. Here’s the Strong’s definition:
ἐλπίς elpís, el-pece‘; from a primary ἔλπω élpō (to anticipate, usually with pleasure); expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence:—faith, hope.
”And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.“
Romans 5:3-5 NASB1995
I’ll be honest. Nights are the worst for me. Days keep my mind and body busy, but nights when I am still, this is where my battle begins. And I am still in the midst of learning, taking every thought captive. Here’s how it will go for me. I wake up in the middle of the night. I begin praying for everyone that crosses my mind, then I may drift, and I am reminded of this bill. Or that child. Or our needs, wants? And then, everywhere I turn in my mind, I see uncertainty and I see reasons to fear.
ARGH. In my mind, I am Luna. I see in Scripture, God has his running shoes on. He is showing me, through Scripture, we are going on that walk. I can hope because i see signs of God moving in my life. Truth pouring in my heart. I am memorizing it. I know it is changing my thoughts. BUT, in the waiting, God, in the middle of the night, teach me how to take these thoughts and times captive.
Hope does not erupt spontaneously in my heart. Or yours. It begins with exulting in the hope of the glory of God, but also in tribulation. I will admit the former is easier than the latter. I see His glory around me, if I look for it. I see it in a little dog. I see it in the sunsets. I see it in community. Looking for hope in tribulation means knowing what is produced in me THROUGH it. Endurance. Proven character.
Hope.
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