I am sitting here praying. Asking for words to encourage you in your financial and spiritual journeys in this time of craziness: living experiences we have not lived, seeing things we have not wanted to see, and hearing words we can’t believe we are hearing.
But I have no words left. Or maybe there are too many words rolling around my head – and I simply can’t find the right ones.
Today, I am reminded that when I have no words, or I have too many words, it doesn’t matter because God, our gracious Father who never changes, has words for me and you. He has words to comfort us. Build us up. Find us when we think we cannot be found.
I have been wondering how folks are coping with their sadness, their discomfort, their grief in this season. For me, some days are better than others, and some days are hard. With the experiences of the last 18 months, I am still grieving the loss of dogs, parents and friends, and yet I can’t roll over and bury my head – although some days I would like to. I think you may understand how I feel, even without words.
Yet, despite these circumstances, I am learning again and again what it means that Jesus is my only Hope. He speaks no empty words or promises, but comes with His Presence, His Words, His Forgiveness, His Light, His Love, His Peace, and His Life and He reminds me who He is, what He has done for me, and who He has redeemed me to be.
So in response to His incredible Hope, this is what I am training myself to do: I run.
I turn my face toward Him and I run to Him. Today. Again and again. Tomorrow. And the next day. One moment at a time. I read, or sing, or listen as I go about my daily tasks. I sit quietly sometimes so I can hear Him better, but I am practising setting my face towards Him every moment that I hear Him calling, and that is more often than you can imagine.
This is the practice of turning your heart towards Hope.
So in this season of grief, high stress, and physical uncertainty, if you can’t find the words (or you have too many words) run to Him. He has the words of Hope you need. He is your Hope.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Jesus, John 16:32-33