Ever have that dream where you’re standing on the edge of a cliff?
I have to admit, I have a fear of heights.
It amazes me how window washers trust that flimsy platform ten stories up. And how can crews building skyscrapers walk across beams like gymnasts? Freaks me out.
You know that screamer at the top of the Ferris Wheel? Me. Yup, me.
Actually, that fear of heights? In reality, it’s a fear of falling.
Life can make us feel as though we’re teetering on the edge of a cliff. We hold tightly to colorful balloons we used to call our life, but when things change, it’s as though we’re barely holding on. We don’t know what’s worse, falling off the cliff or letting go of those balloons.
What happens when the life we knew or hoped for, turns into something strange to us? Uncharted waters? The seas can be rough.
Read this verse out loud slowly:
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.”     Hebrews 10:23
What lies ahead doesn’t have to be scary, although it may be different. He who promised is faithful. He’s got this. We’re in good hands, and I don’t mean Allstate.
We exist for a purpose. Our life has meaning no matter what threatens to push us off the cliff.
And you know what? We can let go of those balloons. It’s hope we want to hold on to.
While falling isn’t pleasant, sometimes we have to fall so we can get up. Did you know God holds our right hand? How far can we really fall if the God of the universe is holding us up?
Then there’s the hurting…
Hurting doesn’t mean we’ve lost hope. When it’s hard to see through the pain, we can reach our hand up to the Lord while He holds it. We don’t even have to say a word. He’s right there.
And you know what?
We are loved with an everlasting love. And although God’s love is greater than anything we could imagine, He blesses us with friends who want to hold our hand, too. Don’t miss that. It’s precious and part of His plan. Jesus said the greatest commandments are to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. And love your neighbor as yourself. Our sisters care.
Let’s let go of whatever keeps us from holding tightly onto hope. Hope is an anchor for our soul when our life wants to drift away from God. Hope keeps us grounded.
Don’t worry if you feel you’ve lost hope, because unlike the usual definition of lost (losing sight of something), hope that is seen is no hope at all.
“For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees?” Romans 8:24
And having confidence in what we hope for but cannot see? That’s faith.
Can I pray with you today?
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for another day to live and breathe in deeply what your hand has provided. Help us to see our life and value through Your eyes; that we may love like You do and serve in a way that’s pleasing to You. When we walk along the edge of the cliff, hold our hand, Lord, and help us to always hang on to hope. Lord, when we fall, help us to get back up and when we do, help us to reach out our hand to others. Thank you, Lord, for the plans you’ve designed for us and that we are precious in Your sight. Thank you for Your unconditional love, mercy, and grace. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Be encouraged, friend, and draw near to God. Nestle in the shadow of His wing.
“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
Yes, I agree “Hope keeps us grounded.” I’m so thankful that He is the God of Hope! Thanks for sharing this encouraging word.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! Blessings to you, friend 🙂
Beautiful post, Doris. Thank you for this encouragement today. 🙂
Thank you, Nicole! I appreciate your encouraging comments and for taking time to read the post