A Glimmer of Hope

He put a new song in my mouth,

a hymn of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.
Psalm 40:3

  Are you going through a time of difficulty right now? Is there something causing you to believe there is no light at the end of the tunnel? Then I have a verse I’d like to share with you that will hopefully provide encouragement on this cold, wintry day.

And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. ~ 1 Peter 5:10

     I remember finding this verse during a particularly difficult time in my life while I was in the dark throes of depression. I felt such a sense of hopelessness. I even had thoughts that maybe I would never be whole again; never be able to enjoy my husband, children or anything else that used to bring me purpose. Everything was meaningless. I drug chains of despair around, never seeing any way to be free of them.

     Then I began reading my Bible daily. Most days after reading the scriptures despair was still my unwanted companion. But I didn’t give up. Slowly God began speaking to me through certain verses. I remember finding the verse above and feeling a glimmer of hope. Even though it seemed my illness had lasted an eternity, I realized in the grand scheme of things it was only a moment. I felt God was promising me healing; this depression would only last a little while.

     Throughout the next year, God continued showing me promises from His Word. I clung to these, especially during the darkest hours. I had to hold onto the hope He had put in my heart. It was all I had.

     Finally, the day came when God fulfilled His promise of healing in my life. I’d never experienced such joy before. My heart overflowed. I became strong, firm and steadfast in my faith, understanding better than ever why our suffering leads to joy. I can honestly say I’m grateful for having gone through it. This pain caused me to love God more than I ever had.

     I don’t know what dark situation you may be facing today, but I do know if you give it to God and ask Him to give you hope, He’ll be faithful to do so. It may not come immediately, but don’t give up.

     Despair is such an ugly thing. It only allows us to see the gloom in our situation. But God is waiting to shine His bright ray of love into our darkness. Why not try picking up the Bible today and giving Him a chance to prove it?