Waiting on Hope — grateful, yet grieving
This past week I started an Advent devotional. In reading and reflecting about the first Christmas, two things emerge: waiting and hope are deeply embedded in this season. Charles Spurgeon describes the relationship between waiting and hope, “Waiting exercises our grace, waiting tries our faith; therefore, wait on in hope, for though the promise tarry, it can never come too late.”
In the beginning of my walk through the shadow of death following the loss of my husband, I went on a quest to find words to describe hope. Here are a few thoughts I discovered.
Hope hangs on when there’s barely a thread.
Hope stays the course when there’s no sign of an end.
Hope waits when the door remains closed.
Hope faces challenges while being opposed.
Hope holds tight in the fire and the heat, tethered to the Source of protection and peace.
Hope sustains in the darkest of nights, knowing the dawn will bring the morning light.
Hope keeps going when it doesn’t make sense, doubt and fear cloud the sky.
First a glimmer, then full display.
Hope quietly ascends to show us the way.
The words in Hebrews 6:19 create a word picture that vividly defines hope: “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” Hope constantly upholds and steadfastly supports us as we continue to cling to God, the One who is our ultimate Hope.
Wherever you are in your journey, I pray you find hope as you move forward this Christmas season.
