DEC 23
Hope
by Mary Orton

Hope. It’s a word used throughout the Bible and is thrown around modern religious conversations and writings. Actually, I was almost named Hope Elizabeth, instead of Mary Elizabeth. It’s a simple 4-letter word that densely embodies profound sentiment and encouragement few other words convey. It’s one of my favorite words and seems to have been an underlying theme of my thought life for as long as I can remember. Paradoxically, it’s also a word I’ve chased after and wrestled with throughout my spiritual journey. Anyone who’s ever experienced a season of depression or loss is very familiar with the word “hope,” as its absence is sensed with every minute that slowly passes. Anyone raised in the church is also acquainted with the word, since it’s frequently used in reference to Christ and something we should generally possess as Believers. Hope – a word I’ve recently been pondering deeply in reference to my own life and the greater work God is doing in the world.

Psalm 130:5, “…And in His word, I put my hope.” is my “life verse,” given to me as a 5-year-old in Mission Friends. It’s been a frequent point of reference whenever I’m unable to wrap my mind around “hope” and where to find it. We are called to put our hope in the word of God, which is flawless (2 Sam 22:31), sweet (Ps 119:103), light-giving (119:160), never ceasing (Matt. 24:35) and a lamp for our feet (Ps 119:105). Our hope lies in the word of God. The word of God is Scripture, and the Word of God is Christ (John 1). Our brilliant Father has given us everything we need to have hope through his written and spoken word, and through his Son. God himself is hope. Though “the grass withers and the flowers fall, the word of our God stands forever” (Is 40:7). Though suffering persists and the poor continue to be poor; though our finances, loved ones, and own health are prone to fail us; though tragedy occurs and hearts are broken; though pregnancies are miscarried, relationships may end, sickness occurs, mental illness passes from generation to generation, dreams are crushed, the economy goes into recession, and wars continue. Though all of these things may provoke us to despair, but in His faithful Word we claim hope.

During this advent season, may we give ourselves the freedom to hope in a Person, rather than a life event. As we celebrate the birth of that little baby in the manger, may we be reminded that true hope is found in the life and person of Christ, who alone is able to overcome brokenness. As we seek hope for our own lives may we “fix our eyes on Jesus” and not fear the future, knowing that our steps are secure in His plan. Lord, give us a posture of hope that infiltrates every aspect of our actions and thoughts that we become radiant beams of Your light amidst a world of darkness. Thank you for offering Hope to us through your precious Son. Amen.

I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. Psalm 130:5