Finding hope or having hope can be a tricky job, especially when you are in the thick of something that is really difficult.
“Hope, the anchor, is essential in this world so full of tidal waves. Sometimes those waves slap us from behind; sometimes we see them coming but cannot stop them or get out of the way. In all cases, hope ties us to safety.” Elaine l. Jack
I have had so many days since being diagnosed bipolar that I find myself sinking into despair. Even now that I have found a “recipe” of medication that works for me, I still have days where it is hard to find that hope. But in those times I try to remind myself of these scriptures that promise us that though it may feel like a tidal wave slapping from behind, there will be a brighter day tomorrow. We can have faith and trust in the Lord that through that faith we will find hope, an anchor for our souls.
Whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God (Ether 12:4)
and
Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; (Hebrews 6:19)
Samuel Smiles wrote: “‘Hope is like the sun, which, as we journey towards it, casts the shadow of our burden behind us.’ … Hope sweetens the memory of experiences well loved. It tempers our troubles to our growth and our strength. It befriends us in dark hours, excites us in bright ones. It lends promise to the future and purpose to the past. It turns discouragement to determination.”
That is a beautiful definition of hope! We also need to remember that we are sons and daughters of God and that our Lord and Savior atoned for us. For all that we are going through, the good, the bad, and everything in between. He descended beneath it all. He knows our pain and suffering, our successes and Joys. We need only call upon Him to receive peace.
If thou wilt bow down before God … and call on his name in faith, believing that ye shall receive, then shalt thou receive the hope which thou desirest. (Alma 22:16)
In a talk given by James E. Faust he says “Everybody in this life has their challenges and difficulties. That is part of our mortal test. The reason for some of these trials cannot be readily understood except on the basis of faith and hope because there is often a larger purpose which we do not always understand. Peace comes through hope.”
I believe these things with all of my heart. I have tested and tried them many times in the past and I have always been able to find that hope that I am yearning for. It is not has not been easy for sure! But eventually it will come if we put our trust in Him.
I know that these posts are short but I mainly just want to give you something to think and ponder on for your day. Today, if hope is something that you don’t feel like you have, I urge you to get down on your knees and plead with and for your whole soul. You will find your anchor and peace. He has promised that you will.
Let us become firmly anchored to the eternal rock of our salvation. See you tomorrow!
XO Wendy
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Pointing Toward Hope 