A FUTURE AND A HOPE

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the LORD, and I will bring you back from your captivity; I will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, says the LORD, and I will bring you to the place from which I caused you to be carried away captive." Jeremiah 29: 11-14

Sometimes, often times, the world is a pretty hostile place to live.  There are wars, and rumors of wars; fires, hurricanes and tornadoes that destroy massive acers of land and structures. There are deaths of those who are young and seem to have so much life ahead of them and other destructive forces that tear at the fabric of the peace of our contentment. Too often these circumstances make the future look bleak and foreboding, and can cause us to question God's existence and power over what we witness.

Faith is sorely tested.

But then the Holy Spirit breathes fresh hope into our souls as He reminds us through Scripture of God's presence.

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

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

"I will never leave or forsake you. I will not abandon you." Hebrews 13:5

"Be still and know that I am God, I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge."Psalm 46;10,11

"The LORD is righteous in all His ways, gracious in all His works. The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon hi in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cray and save them. The LORD preserves all who love Him." Psalm 14517-20

And many, many more.

That is why it is so vitally important to study His word and to meditate on His goodness.

When I was a child my parents and grandparents laid the pathway for me to follow to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Although our family was not particularly "religious" in the sense that some people might think, the principles of Christianity were taught regularly. They exampled what it meant to love our neighbors as ourselves and to treat others as we would have them treat us. Church attendance and family dinners were part of the normal activity on Sundays and holidays.

At home my mother, sister and I would often be at the piano playing and singing hymns.

One of my favorite that has continued to ring in my heart is from the Methodist hymnal that my grandparents gave me as a gift. Either Mom, Susan or I would play and we would sing in three part harmony. Susan taking the soprano, Mom singing tenor, and I would sing alto. Sweet and precious times instilling God's wisdom and grace through the music and the words.  I will write them here for you to enjoy.

I Know Not what the Future Hath

Hymn #290 Methodist hymnal copyright 1964 1966

Words by John Greenleaf Whitter 1807-1892  Arrangement by Cooling CM Alonzo J Abbey 1875-1887

vs 1

"I know not what the future hath of marvel or surprise, Assured alone that life and death God mercy underlies.

vs 2

And if my heart flesh are weak to bear and untried pain, the bruised reed He will not break, but strengthen and sustain.

vs 3

And thou, O Lord, by whom are seen Thy creatures as they be, forgive me if too close I lean my human heart on thee.

vs 4

And so beside the silent sea I wait with muffled oar; no harm from him can come to me on ocean or on shore.

vs 5

I know not where his islands lift their fronded palms in air; I only know I cannot drift beyond his love and care. Amen"

The song has sustained us through so many trials as it reminds us that God is in control.

Nothing comes to us that hasn't been filtered through His hand.

When the storms of life rage against you, as they will, lean into God's embrace. Bathe your heart and mind with His word and saturate yourself with hymns and songs of praise and worship.  Don't let the enemy steal your peace.

All this to remind you, to remind myself: "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things: If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:28-31

May His peace reign in your hearts and may He receive all the glory.