Refreshing Hope

I will include the questions at the end of each chapter for those of you who would like to delve a little deeper into the Scriptures.

I pray you are blessed today as you think on these things.

Chapter One

Refreshing Hope

O God, you are my God,

earnestly I seek you;

my soul thirsts

for you,

my body longs

for you,

in a dry and weary land

where there is no water.

Psalm 63:1

Living in South Texas I am familiar with months of hot dry weather and landscape that is weary from the lack of refreshing rain. During long hot summers, local meteorologists may predict a slight chance of rain, raising the hope of cattle ranchers, farmers, and citizens who long for the dust to be washed from the trees. However, forecast and reality often collide leaving nothing but dashed hope and continued longing for refreshing. In years of true drought, prayers for rain rise up.

Life has taught me that my soul can also experience drought; times when the busyness of doing for God interferes with my being with God. When that happens, it is not long before my soul feels barren and dry, and I begin to wonder why God seems distant. Have you had that experience? If I am not careful, I will then begin to live in past journeys with God and past victories for God— only remembering when.

Then it happens! A loving, merciful, gracious God reminds me He is near; watching, waiting, calling me back to the throne room; drawing me back to His Word where He reminds me that during the barren dry times of life, my soul thirsts for Him, and His love is better than life. He encourages me to remember He is my help and the reason I sing, and He cleanses my heart with His springs of living water.

Are you in the midst of spiritual drought? I have good news. There is refreshing hope waiting for you in the presence of the Father. No fancy words required. A humble heart will do.

Hope for Daily Living

Have you ever walked through a spiritual drought? If so, describe the circumstances.

Read Psalm 143. When David was in the midst of hopelessness and depression, he prayed asking God in His faithfulness to hear David’s cry for mercy and come to David’s relief. What else did David say to God?

According to verse 10, what was David’s ultimate request of God? Are you willing to completely surrender your will to God? If you are not sure, take the time to settle that now.

Read James 1:5. How do you see this verse in relationship to giving you hope in the midst of personal trials, spiritual dry seasons, or grief and loss?

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, today I pray for wisdom to earnestly seek You, to believe You, to trust You, and I ask You to safeguard my heart against any doubt the enemy might attempt to use against me. I thank You for the hope I have through Jesus Christ Your Only Begotten Son. Help me, please, as I surrender my will to Yours. In the Name of Jesus. Amen

© Joyce L Powell