Thursday, January 27, 2011

Faith Barista Jam- Hope Now

Today's topic for the Faith Barista Jam is Hope.
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HOPE.
One of my favorite words in the world honestly. 
I know that if I ever have a little girl some day I really want to name her Hope.  (hopefully that will be ok with my husband ;o) )

Hope wasn't my word for 2011 but HOPE has always been my word.  For me HOPE is often that thing that keeps me going in the tough times. 

When I feel like life is getting to be too much. 

When I see the world falling around me.

When I see disaster here, there, or everywhere.

When all I really want is to be wrapped in his arms or walking on his streets in heaven.

HOPE is what fans the flame- sometimes the very faint flame- inside me.

I looked up the definition for Hope this morning and was a little surprised that there are so many for it. 
Some that I'm a fan of some that are just ok if you ask me. 

But here's what they are... I've underlined the ones that I personally really like.  (Made the ones I LOVE bigger)

-noun
1. the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best: to give up hope.
2. a particular instance of this feeling: the hope of winning.
3. grounds for this feeling in a particular instance: There is little or no hope of his recovery.
4. a person or thing in which expectations are centered: The medicine was her last hope.
5. something that is hoped for: Her forgiveness is my constant hope.

–verb (used with object)
6. to look forward to with desire and reasonable confidence.
7. to believe, desire, or trust: I hope that my work will be satisfactory.

–verb (used without object)
8. to feel that something desired may happen: We hope for an early spring.
9. Archaic . to place trust; rely (usually fol. by in ).

—Idiom
10. hope against hope, to continue to hope, although the outlook does not warrant it: We are hoping against hope for a change in her condition.

My preferred definitions are the verbs. 
Which to me makes perfect sense, because HOPE is an action. (at least with me)
It's something that moves, that inspires, that drives me to hang in there. 

I pulled a few verses that have  HOPE as well.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  Hebrews 11:1

Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation. 1 Peter 1:13

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, 1 Peter 3:15

I don't know where you are today or what you are going through, I know that this year has been tough for me. 
With relationships failing, with health issues, with the state of our country, the loss of life all around us. 
All these circumstances can get a person down- I know that it's been getting me down- but we have reason to HOPE, we have our ever present Savour who loves us more than we can imagine. 
So lets "rest our hope fully upon the grace" (1 Peter 1:13). 
And lets trust that things really will turn out for the best, because that is what God wants for us, even when we can't see it. 

May HOPE be the fuel to your faith today. 

Here's a little music with HOPE today as well.  Addison Road- HOPE NOW

9 comments:

Melanie said...

Love this!! Great post! I'm so happy that this was the first thing I read this morning-- great way to start off the day :)

Blessings!
Melanie

Leanna said...

Melanie- I'm so glad you like it :o)
have a blessed day!

Unknown said...

#8 is my favorite verb because God began our spring in Dec. 1Pet grabs my heart today and I just learned "Hope Now" on the guitar last week.

You have lifted my heart and refreshed me Leanna.

BTW, I keep meaning to write how very cool your avatar is.

Leanna said...

Jeri-
Too cool! I've wanted to learn how to play the guitar for SO long now. I just have to figure out how to make the time to do that. :o)
So happy to know that God allowed me to lift & refresh you today.

And thanks for the comment on the photo. ;o) Iphone and picnik are great things.

Lisa notes... said...

I don't think I used to understand how big and important HOPE really is. But I'm learning and it is amazing. God has given us such a gift with hope. I love the definitions and verses you posted. And the Addison Road song has been a favorite around our house for awhile.

Thanks!

Nikole Hahn said...

I hope you find that special someone so that you don't have experience THAT heartbreak and that you have someone who will walk beside you.

Leanna said...

Nikole-
Thanks. I hope that's the case too.
But no matter what I hope that I can keep my trust in God in all things, single or otherwise, no matter how hard it may all seem.

Sheryl said...

I choose #6 and #7, too! Thanks for great words of encouragement!

Amy Sullivan said...

Love Addison Road! What a perfect song for this post.