One word for tomorrow and beyond

There’s a word that I can’t get away from. I keep being reminded of it, from the books I read to the sermons I listen to and the songs I sing. It’s a word for tomorrow and beyond, not just because I like to choose a “word for the year”, but because of the word itself.

{hand-lettering by Jordan Newhouse}

Hope.

It’s a word I have trouble understanding, and even more trouble applying. It’s also a word I’m learning more and more about. I’ll share a bit now, but I encourage you to explore the concept of hope for yourself.

The Lord has promised good to me
His Word my hope secures
He will my sheild and portion be
As long as life endures.
{Amazing Grace by John Newton}

…We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;…So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is beieng renewed day by day. for this light and momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal….
{2 Corinthians 4}

Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation and my God.
{Psalm 42:5, and again in verse 11 and 43:5}