Hope
- Abbey Parsley
- Dec 2, 2024
- 2 min read
“But what we need to hang onto, I mean so very tightly, is hope.”
“through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:2
The Christmas tree is up, decorations out, hot chocolate is made, Daughter turned on Christmas music. The conversation is that of Jesus, the holidays, the meaning. And that Christmas wonder where light shines in eyes filled with joy? I see it in my kids’ eyes as they dance.
My heart is with Jesus, and yet I still feel bereft of that Christmas feeling. I get this way at the start of the season every year, walking into it carrying all the things. As adults, there is often pain that comes with the Christmas season.
Tattered relationships.
Wayward family members.
Addiction.
Loss of dear ones.
Missing pieces.
Separation.
Pain; of the physical or emotional sort.
Loss of homes.
Bad health reports.
I turn all the lights off except the warm, white lights of the tree, and I sit quietly with Him. He reminds me where I stand. My faith has gained me access to stand in HIS grace (Romans 5:2 above). I can bask in it. Which in turn gives me hope because of the glory of God.
All these pains, hurts, anxieties? Lay them down, and He’ll sort through them with us, because our faith gives us access to do that with Him. He’s pickin’ up what we’re puttin’ down! Will these disappear? Maybe. Maybe not. But what we need to hang onto, I mean so very tightly, is hope.
Action Steps:
Sit ever so quietly with Him. Find a place (a closet if needed-I’ve been there) and just sit. Invite Him next to you. I’m tellin’ ya, it will be powerful!
Turn on “Mary, Did You Know?” by Pentatonix. Not for any real, tangible reason other than I think it always makes me get a little pep in my step.
Prayer: Whew Father, the idea of hope and the feeling of it HAVE to collide for us during this season. These things that we’re struggling with, help us to hold them out to You, offer them to You. I think once we give over the control of them to You, we will have hope and eventually peace. Hmmm yes, we give up what is holding us back from You, from Your grace, from Your glory. Amen.
Written by Abbey, a mom hiding in the closet.