Hope Remains

“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8

God never ceases to remind me that He has got this. It’s been a little while since I’ve blogged, and the honest truth is that I was nervous to start writing again. I’ve been in what some people would call “a rough season” lately. My family has been grieving the recent loss of my father-in-law as well as the continued grief from the loss of my sister-in-law earlier this year. True to the nature of our world, even the smaller things haven’t let up either. It very much has felt like one of those “When it rains, it pours” situations. The saddest part, though, is in knowing that many, if not all, of you, have been through seasons like this as well.

As I stared into this stormy season, I prayed that God would show me the good within the bad. I knew that God was not abandoning us and that He was working good things even in the most tragic times. My prayers were answered. I was able to see a bit more of God’s timing, His good, and perfect plans still holding strong and protecting us. Trusting in Him has never failed to show me that good is there and that even better is coming. Our God’s heart breaks at the evil in our world, especially when that evil breaks our hearts. Out of all God’s creations, He cares most deeply for us. 

There is a song lyric that has been ringing loudly in my head that goes, “There may be pain in the night, but joy comes in the morning.” God has overcome the night. He has overcome the evil in our world. He is there, strongly present, in the most tragic seasons of our lives. Our Lord does not grow weary, He never stops working for the good of those who love Him. I encourage you to keep praying when it’s the hardest to pray. Pray for eyes to see the good that God has been carrying out in your situation. Invite the Holy Spirit into your pain, into your anger, into your darkest moments. God does not abandon us, He does not forsake us, and He will not fail us. Hope can always be found. Then, when you do find those bits of peace and joy, don’t forget to praise the God who gives unconditionally.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

“So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” John 16:22

“Now let your unfailing love comfort me, just as you promised me, your servant.” Psalms 119:76

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28