Have you heard the idea that God gives each of us a message? There may be some truth in that, as even with a new word this year, hope, I’m also reminded to come (back) to God to listen. 
This time of year, we hear and see talk about goals and hopes and dreams. Goals are good, as they provide stepping stones for us to keep moving forward.
Serious self-talk here, as I remind myself to take steps ever closer toward God (minuscule, baby steps), far more important than my personal dreams.
The seeking comes before we receive any giving.
God gave, before anyone accepted His gift.
But we have to be in the room to receive and open a gift someone offers us.
God continues to remind me of what He says about hope.
Isaiah 40:31 didn’t make it on my first list. But it gives great hope. (A good chapter for in-depth study sometime, as Handel also must have discovered since more than one of his pieces in Messiah has text based on this chapter.)
“…those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
One day last year hubby and I watched eagles soar over the river. They circled again and again, seeking food for nourishment, not giving up. Once or twice they dropped their prey. That soaring eagle’s life isn’t perfect. So we keep on, walking with God.
What does God say about finding hope?
*Where does our hope come from?
*What is our hope in?
- God my Savior, Psalm 25:5
- the Lord Psalm 25:21
- God’s unfailing love Psalm 33:18
- the Lord, our help and our shield Psalm 33:20
- You, Lord Psalm 39:7
- God’s good name Psalm 52:9
- the Lord Almighty Psalm 69:6
- the Lord, who gives full redemption Psalm 130:7
- the Lord Psalm 131:3
- the Lord our God Psalm 146:5
- the living God, the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe 1 Timothy 4:10
- God for help 1 Timothy 5:5
- God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment 1 Timothy 6:17
- grace when Jesus Christ is revealed at His coming 1 Peter 1:13
- a better covenant Hebrews 7
Jeremiah spoke of hope and purpose, which I earnestly seek this year. A review of verses that tell us where to find hope reveals our hope is in God. That’s the treasure in the Jeremiah passage. We find our hope and purpose in the context of seeking God, coming to Him, and finding Him. Not in all. the. things. Whatever they may be.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:11-13)
What a rabbit trail, to discover how often God reminds His people to return to Him and He will come close to us! He speaks to the Israelites as they go through various trials, which implies this truth applies to many different situations in our lives as well.
- Nehemiah 1:9
- Job 22:23
- Isaiah 19:22
- Jeremiah 24:7
- Hosea 6:1
- Zechariah 1:3
- Malachi 3:7
- James 4:8
*What does it mean to you to return to God?
God’s Word speaks for itself as we sit with these verses.
*What does God promise when we earnestly seek Him?
*How does this promise give us hope?