Day 226: So there is Hope

Today's Reading: Jeremiah 30-31

Do you remember the old tale of the man and woman who were given three wishes, and how they wasted all of them? We all thought, if given the chance, we would be able to use that opportunity in a much better way. We wish on stars, make birthday wishes while we blow out candles or we toss coins in the fountain with tightly shut eyes, focusing on our latest and greatest desires. We can wish for many things, rubbing all the genie lamps in all the antique stores. Yet all the wishing in the world does not move the cosmos.

Our scripture today assure us with these words: So there is hope...

Hope is not just wishful thinking. It is the reality of a peaceful and blessed future. It is not based on who we are, how hard we strive or what gifts we might offer as bribes.

Hope is based on our relationship to God. God gives hope for each of our futures because God proclaims: "You will be my people and I will be your God." Hope is God's covenant, God's promise, to us.

Acknowledgement of God being God, moves us from a life of wishful thinking and meaninglessness, into a life of hope and promise. Even in the midst of circumstances that appear bleak, a person who trusts in God is able to lift up a tambourine and dance with joy because she knows she belongs to God.

Hope is also based upon God's central and defining attribute: Everlasting Love. The LORD tells us, "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness."

No matter what we face, no matter where we are, no matter the circumstances, there is nothing anywhere that can out trump God's everlasting, eternal, unable-to-wear- out love for us. We can't out live it, we can't out run it, we can't earn it and we can't lose it. Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus, our LORD.

And so there is hope for your future.

And mine...