Because He Flows With Unquenchable Hope

Perhaps the deepest sorrow dwells in the land of hopelessness. What a barren land that must be. An emotional desert where weary limbs lunge for a solution, only to come up empty. And how many mirages can a soul pursue before abandoning the quest?  Was the ancient Latin playwright, Terence, correct when he wrote, "While there's life, there's hope?" Knowing that many die at their own hand in the land of hopelessness, I would consider the converse more accurate -- "While there's hope, there's life."

That's why I follow Jesus. He never walks me through the wilderness of despair. 
He accompanies me always, even through the valley of the shadow of death. Still, wrapped in darkness, I have a defender, and provision, and comfort. [Psalm 23] 
[John 10]

My hope in Jesus is not blind optimism; not a hope against hope. In him, hope is synonymous with certainty; one that never disappoints. Considering who he is and what he can do, no circumstance of mine can render me hopeless. Jesus is God, and nothing is too hard for him. All things are possible through him. He is compassionate and generous. He is loving and wise. All that he plans, permits, and pairs, he braids with benevolent hands. Jesus IS my hope.

Right now, I am praying for Christ's river of hope to flow for my family. Benny is my son-in-law's nephew (my grand-nephew-in-law?) The mountain he and his parents must climb is steep. This precious two year-old has been diagnosed with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, a cancer that will subject him to many months of chemotherapy and radiation. You can follow Benny Boots' Battle on Facebook (please help any way you can.) And pray for him with fervent hope, because a wise and loving God, generous and compassionate, has Benny wrapped firmly in his arms. Pray that mom and dad, Sharan and Lionel, can rest in the comfort of that hope.

And follow Jesus. Walk unfaltering in his footsteps that you may conquer the mountains YOU will face. Believe that when you cannot walk, he carries you. Trust that he will work all things together for your good, even things that end in ugly syllables like -sarcoma. God's river flows with unquenchable hope. Drink deep; there are springs in the desert!