THE GOD OF HOPE
“No one whose hope is in you (LORD) will ever be put to shame…good and upright is the LORD…all the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful.” (Psalm 25:3,8, 10).
When the doctor said that dreaded “cancer” word, I was sure he was talking about someone else. But he was looking at me and using my name. Once the shock wore off, the reality hit me: that means major surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, cancelling my plans, etc. How can I cope with all that?
To get a grip on my emotions, I went for a walk in the park repeating the following Bible verse over and over, making it my prayer: “May the God of hope fill me with all joy and peace as I trust in Him, so that I may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”(Romans 15:13)
Later, at home, I got my Bible out and underlined the following verses:
“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.” (Psalms 62:5,6)
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall, but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:29-31).
A lasting hope is anchored, not in circumstances, not in people (even the best doctors), not in a good bank account (all those can fail us) but in the God of hope. I would focus on God’s promise, not the problem.
Three years have gone by and God has indeed been faithful to give me strength and hope for every day–and a good recovery.
What are you struggling with? In what situation do you need hope. My prayer for you is: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).
By Helen Leschfield

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