Hi friends,
How do we find hope, or better yet, maintain our hope when the world around use seems hopeless? As I was preparing to write this post, so many thoughts flooded my mind. It was like God was pouring out examples from my life and truths from Scripture into my mind. The difficult part for me is figuring out how to put all these brain bubbles into a cohesive post that touches on everything God has filled me with over the last few days.
Taking a quick step back, you all know brain bubbles, right? Think of an old comic strip (for those of you who are old like me and remember those—Calvin and Hobbes are the BEST, just saying). Well, those white, cloud-shapes over above the characters’ heads are what I refer to as brain bubbles—only I generally have about a dozen of them open at a time as is the case with this post.
I’m finding it harder and harder to focus and I think it’s because we’re living in a time of chaos, or what feels like chaos around us. So much has changed since COVID hit. We’ve gone from shelter-in, nearly everything closed, and remote working to being more open, adhering to social distancing, wearing masks. Each week we start out not knowing what that week will hold, what changes might be made. So how do we navigate this new ‘world’ we’re living in?
As I thought about it, God brought a Sunday school lesson from children’s church to mind. My girls are grown, so you can imagine how long ago this activity happened, but it’s something that has stuck with me over the years.
Dawn (our children’s minister) stood at one end of the room, the student stood at the other end blindfolded with obstacles between him and her. A second person stood behind the student to make sure they didn’t trip or fall over anything. Dawn told the blindfolded student to follow her voice and he or she would make it safely through the dangers between them. Several students got nervous and stopped listening, running into a chair, etc. They stopped trusting her voice, stopped listening to her and they got lost.
This story from the Bible I got in my inbox today from YouVersion was a great reminder of a time someone took their eyes not off of Dawn, but off Jesus.
When Peter saw how strong the wing was, he was afraid and started sinking. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.
Matthew 14:30
“You are not alone.
Peter stepped out of the boat and walked on the water next to Jesus. But after a while, the storm grew stronger and, overwhelmed by a situation he couldn’t control, Peter began to sink.
Immediately, Jesus saves Peter. But then He asks one question:
“Oh you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
When storms in life happen, it’s easy to act like Peter. We can become so fixated on the problems around us that we lose sight of our Savior standing beside us.
But even when hope seems lost, Jesus is near. His constant presence is our confident assurance that during life’s storms, God is, and always will be, in control.
Whatever you’re going through right now, be encouraged: Christ is your anchor, He is able to do the impossible, and He will not let you drown. Hold onto hope by fixing your eyes on Him.”
If you are unfamiliar with YouVersion, I highly recommend it.
Reader Question:
How do you keep your eyes on Jesus during this tumultuous time? How do you anchor yourself in the hope He provides?
Blessings,
Dani
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I don’t always do a good job of keeping my eyes on Jesus. Sometimes I whine or cry or fall to bouts of anxiety. But it’s always best when I pray and talk with Jesus and try to keep my eyes on Him. So many distractions these days, so it takes reminders to me to keep myself in line!
I completely agree. I struggle with the very same things. Finding something daily to anchor us in Him is very helpful and a good reminder like you said 🙂
WOW! What a powerful and uplifting reminder, Dani. Thank you so much for sharing your “brain bubbles” and the Children’s Church example (as I CC teacher myself, I may borrow this idea).
I’ve been anchoring myself in God’s Word and clinging to His promises. I’ve also been singing hymns & praise songs during my devotional time. By doing this alone, I’m more focused on the words and more conscious of singing them directly to God for HIS glory. Some days are harder than others, but praising Him even during the difficult times is pleasing to Him and I’ve noticed that afterwards, I too, feel better.
Thanks again for such an encouraging post.
Hi Amy,
So glad you found it encouraging. I listen to worship songs when I am struggling to keep my thoughts focused on Him. I love that you sing hymns and praise songs during your devotional time. That’s a wonderful practice–one I’m going to have to try out.
Bearutiful post. Full of truth. One word I love from the passage of Peter walking on the water is “Immediately.” The moment Peter cried out, Jesus was there. It is easy to take our eyes off of Him, and oh how quickly it takes to get lost (great word picture of the child not listening to the voice.)
Thank you for the reminder of the Hope that we share.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the post. I love that you shared “immediately.” What an encouraging reminder that Jesus is always right there.
Thanks for the encouraging post, Dani. It doesn’t seem as if things will get better any time soon so we must keep our eyes on Jesus for our hope! A good reminder for us all.
Thanks, Deena. I agree. I think it will definitely be a while. It’s so comforting to know Jesus walks through this valley no matter how long and far it is. I definitely struggle in this area so your comment and everyone’s comments today have been great reminders and full of encouragement for me. Thank you.
Dani,
Thanks for sharing these words of encouragement and reminding me to continue to seek the face of God, ALWAYS! Our family has gone through some major testing the last few years and I know what it means “to be obedient in the darkness”. If I’m honest, I must admit I find myself growing weary of seemingly fighting the same battles and that is when I KNOW I have to Trust Him. Since I was in Middle School, I have always highlighted Scriptures and kept a collection of Inspirational Quotes. I was introduced to the writings and teachings of Elisabeth Elliot in January of 1984 and she has had an immeasurable influence on my life. Two of her quotes that come to mind are:
“Where does your security lie? Is God your refuge, your hiding place, your stronghold, your shepherd, your counselor, your friend, your redeemer, your saviour, your guide? If He is, you don’t need to search any further for security.”
“God is God. Because he is God, He is worthy of my trust and obedience. I will find rest nowhere but in His holy will that is unspeakably beyond my largest notions of what he is up to.”