Hope On The Horizon
Louise Harris
Recently I was touched by the words of a worship song we sang one Sunday in church, in particular the phrase “lift up your eyes, there's hope on the horizon”. This really struck a chord with me as, when we are bogged down in difficult times, it's very easy to look down and not up and to forget that there is always hope ahead. I also noted the phrase, “give him glory in the waiting and hold onto hope”.
As human beings we really need hope in order to cope with what is happening in the present, and to look forward to better times. As surely as spring follows winter, brighter times follow dark times.
Psychologists say that hope is a key human need. It protects us from despair, reduces anxiety about the future, and also makes us more resilient in overcoming challenging phases in our lives. Without hope we will really struggle to keep going through adversity. It has been described as food for the soul, and it gives us a vision for a better future.
The Bible is full of references to hope, and here are some key ones that we can use to feed our souls and encourage us:
Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. they will soar on wings like eagles. (Isaiah 40:31)
We have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul. (Hebrews 6:19).
I particularly like this one as it conjures up a picture of a ship being stabilised by an anchor during rough storms. The anchor is comparatively small and unseen but it is capable of holding the ship steady.For I know the plans I have for you, plans for good and not for evil to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11)
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)
Rejoice in hope, be patient in trouble, be constant in prayer. (Romans 12:12)
Yes my soul find rest in God, my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation. He is my fortress; I will not be shaken. (Psalm 62:5-6)
The Lord is my portion says my soul, therefore I will hope in him. (Lamentations 3:24)
The key is that we hold tight to hope and don’t let go – we remember that our heavenly Father is in charge and only wants the best for us.
He is the source of hope, and it’s Him that we need in order to remain hopeful when the way ahead is not clear.
We may only see fog, but He sees the sunshine beyond it and gently guides us through the confusion to a brighter day. The only thing we need to do is hold on to Him and let him reveal the way ahead.
