Keep Hope Alive!

Photo by Ron Smith/Unsplash

by T. Taylor Williams

Where now is my hope? And who regards or considers or is even concerned about my hope? Job 17:15

Hope: Desire with expectation of obtainment or fulfillment; to expect with confidence: Trust. (Merriam-Webster)

The above photo illustration and corresponding scripture reference is how many of us may be feeling nowadays.

We are trying to keep our inner spirit encouraged as our daily, busy lives have come to a near standstill.

And we are cautioned amid reports of illness and death to steer clear of others, which goes against the socialization that many of us are accustomed to.

We’re hoping for life as we knew it before COVID-19 to resume.

We’re holding on to hope in what looks like a dark world.

Admittedly, this blog was also birthed to keep myself encouraged and to build my faith.

I can’t lie: Like many of you, I’ve had my moments in the valley the last couple weeks.

I think it’s safe to say that most of us, believers or non-believers, have many concerns.

How do we maintain positivity and hope when so much is unknown? I.e. Will I lose my job? Will I be able to support myself and my family? Do I have enough food and supplies? We may even look around and wonder who will be affected by this virus within our inner circles.

Yes, we worry sometimes. We’re human.

But we must fight against the dimming of our inner hope candles.

I’m not here to hit you over the head with the Word of the Lord.

I can only speak from experience and tell you what I know. 
When I first started writing this blog, it was Spirit-led. The Lord wants me to encourage His people, and all people.

My hope rests in the Lord Jesus. He’s proven Himself real to me more times than my mind can calculate. He is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End.  The author and finisher of my faith.

I’ve lost my husband, my father, had our family home foreclosed, lived in government housing, and been glad to receive food benefits this time last year. I’ve seen Him make a way when I didn’t see a way to be made. I don’t know the outcome of the Coronavirus. I don’t know why things happen the way they do. But I don't need to.

Remember, the Lord did not promise an easy life. But He did promise to provide strength (Psalm 18:39), and to walk with us  in the midst of any and every trial, tribulation and storm we may face. (John 15:26)

And that’s where my hope lies.

“You can make it. It gets dark sometimes, but the morning comes…And you hold on, and hold out! We must never surrender! America will get better and better. Keep hope alive. Keep hope alive! Keep hope alive!” Jesse Jackson

“My way may not be easy, You did not say that it would be. But when it gets dark, I can’t see my way. You told me to put my trust in Thee. That’s why I’m asking You, Lord, help me to hold out…until my change comes.” – James Cleveland