My husband deals with a great burden in this world. He is the sole provider of a family of 5 and it’s a huge responsibility. He’s a business owner, so not only does he bear the burden of providing financially for us, but he also carries that responsibility for each of the families that work with and for him.
He hopes for success.
He hopes for financial security.
I’ve found myself hoping for the same thing just so his affliction would be lifted. My hope is for him to be released from those stresses because it’s what wears him down the most.
My personal hopes come packaged in the wellbeing of my children.
I hope I’m doing all I can to raise them up to be happy, healthy, smart and God fearing children.
While it’s my most treasured blessing to be their mom, just like my husband’s job it is also sometimes burdensome bearing this volatile responsibility of raising them. There are endless hopes that I have for them, not to mention all the dreams they don’t even have yet, I hope for those too.These are the things I am hoping for today.
They are the things that are on my mind on a daily basis. However, it never fails, just as these all important hopes settle there in the forefront of my mind I also sense the calming presence of the Spirit and the all familiar feel of conviction gently impressed upon my heart. With that my mind effortlessly shifts to the one true hope that I can be sure of.
The hope I have in my Jesus.
The hope I have in the promise of His return.
The hope I have in my eternal security in Heaven.
The success of my husband’s business is uncertain. The wellbeing of my children is unforeseeable.
But, Jesus?
This is hope I can count on. This is the hope that I dwell on. All other hopes are at risk, but THIS hope is mine already.
Is it wrong for me to have hopes in this world?
Of course not.
God has great plans through our hopes and dreams; he often blesses us with those very hopes and dreams. However, they were never meant to replace the hope we have in Jesus.
The ever-present hopes of our flesh and the eternal hope of our soul are in battle daily. It takes great discipline to keep our eyes fixed on the hope we have in Jesus. It’s challenging, but it’s also where we discover peace in His answers and contentment in our lives just as they are.
"But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you."
What a precious post full of HOPE...which by the way is my favorite word in the world!!! Would so appreciate if you would visit me at Jeremiah 29:11....For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a HOPE!!!
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you!!! :)
Great post Heidi. "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess because He who promised is faithful." Heb 10:23. Hope in Christ. It's the only secure place to rest!
ReplyDeleteI HOPE that I will be the best ambassador I can for Him. I HOPE that I will be a good mom and wife. All of my HOPE rests in Him the maker of heaven and earth.
ReplyDeleteMy HOPE is in the Lord and that HOPE will not be disappointed. Amen! Our families are so similar, Heidi. :)
ReplyDeleteJesus is our HOPE and people need Hope without Him there is no life, there is no meaning to life.
ReplyDeleteHeidi, thank you for reminding of what our husbands carry. He's almost done getting ready for work. I'm going to tell him how Jesus gives me hope through his obedience to get up and "go" every single day.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean! Our kids are such a blessing yet some days I feel like I'm losing my mind! Our hope has to be in Him!
ReplyDeleteOh, I love this post - great job. This is great: "God has great plans through our hopes and dreams; he often blesses us with those very hopes and dreams. However, they were never meant to replace the hope we have in Jesus."
ReplyDeleteThank you for this great reminder. I "hope" you have a great day, my friend :)
Our two families share many of the same Hopes Heidi. Thank you so much for this inspiring and encouraging reminder of where our true Hope really lies.
ReplyDeleteHave a Blessed Day!
Beautiful! My favorite part, they were never meant to replace the hope we have in Jesus. If that is not our #1 Hope but the #5 hope then when 1 through 4 fail we are devastated! I think thats why people whom have relied on themselves all their life's completely collapse when their hopes fail. You have got your priorities right my friend and unfailing Hope at the top of your hopes!!! Love on-Dawna
ReplyDeleteI love this "It takes great discipline to keep our eyes fixed on the hope we have in Jesus. It’s challenging, but it’s also where we discover peace in His answers and contentment in our lives just as they are." Discipline is right. But I always notice the word "Disciple" mixed in with the word Discipline. To continue having sweet intimacy with our Savior, we must first have discipline to maintain the relationship. With discipline then there is obedience- and with obedience comes character. Then it seems easier to let all of that love overflow into our family life too.... great post!
ReplyDelete"It takes great discipline to keep our eyes fixed on the hope we have in Jesus."
ReplyDeleteYou state it well. In my own life, it's when I get lazy and let mySELF take over that I lose hope. Thanks for the admonition.
Great reminder Heidi! I want my hope to always be in Christ and everything else can fall behind. I understand hoping for your husband. We're a family of six, that is a lot on their shoulders. To be the sole provider but he does it and does it well. Always wise words friend :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Mel
Please feel free to stop by: Trailing After God
Great post! We have hope in God alone. Praise God!
ReplyDeleteYes! This hope will never fade. He is our great reward. Such real thoughts here, thank you for sharing them. My hubs is in much the same place so I understand the fleshly hopes you describe. It is easy to become discouraged. Your words remind me where to put my hope-eggs: all in One basket :).
ReplyDeleteVery nice! I love the Scripture Psalm 39:7!!
ReplyDeleteOnce again, thank you, Heidi!! =) It's so easy to get your focus shifted and when that happens is usually when the worry sets in!!! Thanks for reminding me that my HOPE IS IN JESUS!!! He has promised to take care of His own. And HE does, every single day!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lord Jesus, for your many, MANY blessings!!!!
As I was reading, I was impressed with the idea that hope is usually symbolized by an anchor. Jesus is our hope. He is our anchor. Thanks for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteWell-written post and great space you have here!
ReplyDeleteToday I'm hoping for my little one to kick the snot and sickness she has been dealing with, and for my attitude about snot and sickness to improve a wee bit.
Christ living in me, the HOPE of Glory!!
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