hope in the Lord

“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him!”

Lamentations 3:24

We were all waiting for 2020 to be over, as if by magic all the insanity and uncertainty and strife of the year would disappear. We thought that turning that calendar page would lift the fog to a new, bright day. We put our hope in 2021 for healing, happiness, and hope.

To quote Dr. Phil, “How’s that working for you?”

After merely a handful of days, it’s clear that this new year will most likely be another insane and uncertain season. It’s hard to believe that just one short (or endless, depending on how you look at it) year ago, there seemed to be a feeling of peace and clarity. As for me, our family members and friends were doing well, the economy was strong, and there was a sense of calm assuredness within the constant surrender to God’s will. My kids had a vision for the future and accompanying plans. Even amid the challenges of the initial months of 2020 (and there were plenty), we saw blessings and trusted that the Lord’s ultimate plans were for our good and His glory. 

Today, however, I look ahead to 2021 like a big blurry face—you know, like when someone doesn’t want to be identified on TV, so their image is blurred and pixilated. The months—and years—ahead at this point seem completely unknown. When I look around and try to envision the future (especially for my children), I can feel despondent and, if I’m totally honest, somewhat hopeless. 

But, in talking with a beloved sister of mine the other day, she reminded me of a Biblical mandate—a simple exhortation that’s easy to forget when we get caught up in the things of this world: As Christians, we are to HOPE IN THE LORD. 

It’s not “hope in the Lord, AND…” or “hope in the Lord, BUT…” We are to hope in Lord. PERIOD.

So, brothers and sisters, where is our hope? If we have been trusting in any person or entity other than the Lord, know this: They will fail us, forsake us, abandon us. God will not. He is trustworthy all the time. (Don’t get me wrong, He hates evil and will judge and punish people and nations who have turned away from Him—but that’s another blog.)

So, whatever 2021 brings, let us decide to hope in the Lord. Period. As the Psalmist writes, “Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord” (Psalm 31:24).