The thought, the message, the word of this first week of Advent…Hope. As I focus on that word, as I ponder its meaning, The Lord gives me time to reflect on what Hope means in my life.

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. (Romans 12:12)

I have been through some pretty rough stuff this year, some real tribulation, but I can still have Hope for the future. I have had to call out to God in desperation many times, but I still know that tomorrow will be a brighter day. I know that there is something good ahead when the hard days come. How do I know this?

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for good and not for evil, plans to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11)

God is SO not done with me yet. He is SO not done with you. When the hard days come, when the struggles seem insurmountable, He will pick you up in his gentle hands and lead you into a future of promise and possibility…a future filled with Hope.

Are you feeling discouraged? Do you feel as if the world has let you down and the future looks bleak? Don’t give up. Trust in the One who made you…the One who made you with a plan and a purpose. Wait on the Lord to reveal His plan. Put your Hope in Him.

But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

Oh…what blessings God has in store for all of us! Oh what goodness is coming our way! Take heart and have Hope. Your best is up ahead.

Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off. (Proverbs 23:18)

Many blessings to you as you put your Hope in the Lord and let Him guide your path?