Hope

Zechariah chapter 9 verse 16.
"The Lord their God will save His people in that day, as a Shepherd caring for His sheep. They shall shine in His land as glittering jewels in a crown."


Hope is the expectation that better things are to come. It may require some work and definitely means we have to follow after something.
   It is easy for people to lose hope in a better future. I guess they think it is better to trust yourself than it is to believe that someone else's paths are going to bring you a better life. Why would you not trust in your choices? You are the one who picks them and you seem to know what is best suited for your life style and gratification.
   Bad choices is a part of life. No matter how hard we try it is like we can't get away from them. We work hard at studying our options and then make what we think, is the best choice. Sometimes the choices we make work out and we are thankful to have made the right choice. Then there are the other times when the path we have chosen causes us nothing but grief and we try so hard to get off that path before we are too seriously damaged.
   In most cases we choose the safe routes, that have been proven by others to be the right choices to make. Making mistakes through bad choices is nothing new and through trial and error the corrections have been made allowing people to see clearly the choices available. Now that path seems to make the best sense to follow.
   A good example is the weather. We listen to the broadcast to determine the best way to prepare. You know, on a rainy day we take an umbrella, or on a hot day we dress in clothing to keep us cool.
   It is when the unexpected happens that we have no control over. It is in those times that we get frustrated and quickly try to adjust the path we are on. We can all remember when times were better and wish that they did not have to end, but with each day comes new choices to be made. Most of the choices we make are so that we can provide food and shelter.
  The paths we choose affect how life is for us and it also affects those around us. We can not help making bad choices, and it would be nice if we could control everything, so that everyday was perfect, but experience has proven that it does not work out that way.
   That is why Jesus came to earth. To tell us that hope can be found in trusting God. The proven facts of God's promises are all around us. The trees, the sky, the stars, the sun and moon and each of us have all come to be because of God and His love for people.
   So do you continue to live by trial and error or do you turn to God and live with Jesus? God promises a life of peace where joy fills us with being content with everything. He is called Father for a reason. For we have always had a home with Him, He is just waiting for us to return so that He can care for us.
   Like a child that leaves his parents and heads out to face whatever each day may bring. Now he has to rely upon the choices he makes, guided by the experiences of others and the hope for a good outcome. Now, he can stand tall with head held high showing that he is able to provide just as his parents did for him.
   Our heavenly home never leaves us. So if you are feeling lost and overwhelmed by the choices that were made, call out to God and ask Jesus to bring you home. Everything will forever change. Your place in life, will be defined by your life in God's house. Where you hold close to living each moment of everyday in His presence. It is the glory that you give to Him that graces your life with Jesus.
   Start your day by thanking God for Jesus and His blessing upon you. Then prepare your day by reading the bible and learning from the many ages of trials and errors. Now you go out with the joy of comfort in knowing God is with you and you are serving as Jesus served.
   Thank you Father for the hope that is found in Jesus. We are not lost, You are just waiting for us to call out so that Jesus can come get us and bring us to You. 😊 

Luke chapter 4 verses 18 and 19.
Jesus read from the book of Isaiah. "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me; He has appointed Me to preach the Good News to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted and to announce that captives shall be released and the blind shall see, that the downtrodden shall be freed from their oppressors, and that God is ready to give blessings to all who come to Him."
Verse 21.
Then He added, "These Scriptures came true today!" 

Proverbs chapter 16 verses 1 and 33
"We can make plans, but the final outcome is in God's hands."
"We toss the coin, but it is the Lord who controls it's decision."

Jeremiah chapter 29 verse 11.
"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."