Hope In The New Year

“I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. ” Psalm 130:5 (NIV)

How many people do you know who could say that right now? “In His Word, I put my hope.”

In August of 2009, I suffered my first miscarriage and in February 2010, another. To deal with our grief, my husband and I have each found ways of coping. For me, I write and talk to God. For my husband, each time, he had to name our babies. The second baby is Grace. The first one, he named Hope, because, and I quote him, ” Our hope is in the Lord.”

This past year was a year of great change and transition for our family. It was also a year of great healing for myself : physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. It has been a journey, but it has been a good journey. Through all of this, I have learned to put my hope in God. 

“We wait in hope for the LORD; 
   he is our help and our shield. 
In him our hearts rejoice, 
   for we trust in his holy name. 
May your unfailing love be with us, LORD, 
   even as we put our hope in you.” Psalm 33:20-22 (NIV)

This next year, I am hopeful. I watch and I wait. What does the Lord have planned for all of us?

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you” Jeremiah 29:11-12 (NIV)

My stormy year has passed, but many of you are facing your own storms of one kind or another. Keep strong. Take heart. Put your hope in the Lord this year. Wait and see. What might He have planned for you this year? Anticipate, pray, read His Word and listen. Remember, He loves you.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29 (NIV)