Hope in the Arms

What does "hope" mean to you??

I have high hopes for my daughters.

I have high hopes for these middle-aged years with my husband.......

I have high hopes for the things that are happening in ministry and the small group I lead.....and at work......

I have high hopes for the future...........

Is our hope in God??

What about when our hope falters?? 

 I don't usually struggle with "hope".

But this morning's devotions at breakfast had me turning to Deuteronomy because the word of the day was "hope".  I had been reading about hope in the devotional book I use and wanted to see some other Scriptures.  I found this:

"There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, who rides the heavens to help you, and in His excellency on the clouds.  The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms..."  Deuteronomy 33: 26-27a

While sipping hot coffee and eating my whole grain cereal, I thought about what this Scripture means to me. And an incident when my youngest daughter was a toddler came to mind.

We were walking along the town bike path next to the Mohawk River on the north-west side of town.  Claire was about 2 years old and Courtney would have been about 7.  It was autumn and we often took long walks or short hikes on Sunday afternoons back then. I only taught 2 days a week back then so our weekends were spent doing family activities.  

We were walking along when Claire, the 2 year old, reached up her arms to Dave, with the hope.....the expectation, that Daddy  would carry her!

She knew she could count on her Daddy's arms.....to lift her up, to hold her close and carry her......

........and isn't this what our Father in heaven does for us??

When we place our expectations in Him.....our hope and trust in Him, He carries us through whatever it is......He lifts us up to greater heights and He holds us close through our trials and storms.....He holds us close when we need Him to carry us.........

Sometimes big sis would carry her, too!
Autumn 2000

You might be tired from doing battle....or lonely.....or crushed in spirit.......maybe you are trying to overcome an addiction or some kind of idol in your life.....maybe you are just going through the motions of life and don't feel like there's any hope for your future.

Lift up your arms to the One who carries us through....His Everlasting Arms will hold you up and bring you hope...........