We live in a world that can be frustrating beyond words.  Maybe not for everyone, but if you are anything like me, you like safety, security and things you can count on.  Many will say that the answer to the world’s problems is education.  If we have enough education, we will see changes in the poor choices made by people in the world.  But can we count on the education that we are being taught?  It feels like everything is changing.  The way I took care of my babies in the 80’s is not the way you take care of babies today.  Do they sleep on their back or stomach?  Who is right?  It seems every few years the decision on what is best for a baby changes.  How about the decision we make as adults about diets?  We try to abide by all the guidelines regarding food and then, low and behold, they decide those guidelines are incorrect and we actually should be eating a certain kind of food.  What about our faith walk?  If you are a face book user, you will see the constant arguments about scripture and doctrine.  The attacks on one another have been disheartening, and I believe, damaging beyond what we care to admit.  The bible tells us that people will know we are HIS disciples by our love.  But who has time to love when we are all debating about  our thoughts and beliefs and standing on our truth with every ounce of energy we have been given.  It has become more important to be right then to love and accept one another and to agree to disagree.

Years ago I felt so strongly about a certain belief that I was willing to give up a relationship.  I clearly heard God say to me in my heart, “Rebekah, I don’t need you to protect my reputation.  I am capable of taking care of myself.  Continue to love this person.”  There’s something refreshing about a person being confident in their relationship with God and enjoying that relationship without a need to make everyone see things exactly like they see it.  It’s not only refreshing but attractive.  The bible is clear that Jesus doesn’t take us straight to heaven because we are to be salt and light to a hopeless and dying world.  Leading other’s to Jesus is much more than bringing a person to church.  It’s taking the time to build relationships, sharing our heart with them (and yes the scriptures)  and watch the Holy Spirit convince and draw people to himself through faith in Christ. 

I believe with all my heart that my relationship with Jesus is the ONLY thing I can count on.  HE IS our anchor for our souls.  HE IS someone we can count on.  HE HAS promised to never leave us or forsake us.  I don’t know about you, but I need a constant King of Kings that makes me feel safe and secure.  I need to know that HE really is in control when the entire world is falling apart.  I need to remember that HE has a plan and HE is very much at work behind the scenes.  And it brings me peace to KNOW that HE loves me more than I can ever imagine.  HE cares about every detail of my life and HE’s working in and through me and HE has given me hope.  THE SAME IS TRUE FOR YOU!

Definition of hope: Favorable and confident expectation, the happy anticipation of the good. Vines Expository Dictionary

Psalms 71:5, 14 – For you are my hope; O Lord God, You are my confidence from my youth.  But as for me, I WILL hope CONTINUALLY, And will praise You yet more and more.

Lamentations 3:21, 24 – This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul. “Therefore I have hope in Him.”

Romans 15:13 – Now may the God of hope fill you will all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Hebrews 6:19 – This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast ….