Mocked by Hope’s Invitation

I used to hate Hope. Okay, maybe hate is too strong. I was, at least, perpetually angry, miffed, and upset as I turned my back to her disappointing pleas. "Hope for the best.”, was just another phrase for, "Wait until the other shoe drops." Something was surely around the corner to spoil whatever goodness dared to appear. Hope’s cries were irritating and best left alone.

Now, I hear her voice as being strong, clear, and beautiful. Getting there was an enduring process though. I had to keep putting one foot in front of the other, day after day, when it seemed easier to quit. Thankfully, Hope in God endures forever! She never stops reaching out with a hand extended that offers help, strength, and support.

I started thinking about this at church yesterday when my pastor touched on the scripture, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but desire fulfilled is a tree of life.” Proverbs 13:12 That was one of the verses I used to quote often. (Not the desire fulfilled part. Just the, Hope deferred makes the heart sick... part.)

What a journey this has been since I started walking with Christ in October 1976. Hope deferred made my heart sick throughout much of my story... a holy story of sorrow and joy, brokenness and wholeness, and the thrill of discovering beauty in ordinary life. By God’s grace, the second part of the verse now fills the echos of disappointment with Hope’s substance. Desire fulfilled is a tree of life.

Today, I mostly want to encourage those who feel mocked by Hope's Invitation. I want to join you in this moment as you read these words. I want to be with you... and remember with you... the depths of how sick a heart feels when Hope has been deferred. I want, most of all, to invite you to offer your disappointment honestly to the Lord. He won't strike you down with lightning. I promise. I've done this a lot!

You might feel the Lord's presence. You might not. Either way, the Lord will hear your faintest cry. He will enter into your sorrows and questions and even your angry disappointment. Let your heart rest. Allow yourself to breathe slowly and deeply in this safe place. Don’t try hard. Don’t pretend. Just be… with Him.

God of Hope... we need you. Seriously. If ever the world needs who you are, the time is now. I lift up each person reading. Please blow oxygen from Heaven into their life to give fresh strength for a new day. Please anchor souls that are tempted to throw in the towel for lesser things. Please reveal your invisible presence with them now. In Jesus' holy name… amen

If your heart is discouraged or broken, please listen to the song below. Turn off distractions,  relax, and let air Heaven's air fill your soul. I am praying for you today. Mary