Hope you can hold on to.

Some people say, "If you just don't have any expectations about anything, you won't be disappointed." They say if you never hold on to hope, you won't be let down. It's a way to protect yourself from being emotionally crushed and hurt. So just don't hope at all, they say. But what kind of a life is that? Hope and expectancy bring life, passion, and excitement. It's true that you can place hope in people, things, or relationships. But people, things, and relationships will let you down. I've found there is an exception, though. True hope that will ultimately last is hope in Jesus Christ. You can always place your hope in Him and in a relationship with Him, because He will never let you down. It doesn't mean we won't ever go through tough times, because that's a given. But especially during those times, this hope is what gets us through. It's what we can cling to. And if we start to lose hope - which God knows that will happen - He gives us renewed hope.

Psalm 94:18-19 says, "I cied out, 'I'm slipping!' and your unfailing love, O Lord, supported me. When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer."

Hope shows God that we trust Him and that we believe He won't let us down or disappoint us. Hope is what keeps us going. And even hope that has been lost can be renewed...God gives us renewed hope.

This is what I painted on Friday night. I left my USB cord at work again so I had to take this with my cell phone. I wanted to post this before I got too busy during the week, but a sharper picture will be swapped out soon.