Hope on the Line

What a week!  In fact, what a year!  A lot of Americans had pinned their hopes on this election to mark the beginning of the end of the most difficult year we have collectively experienced in decades.  As the vote count drags on, therefore, it can feel like hope itself is on the line.  

The truth, of course, is that no one candidate or ballot measure could cure what ails us.  Public health, racial discrimination, economic stressors, and other matters of state can shift with the results of an election.  But our personal losses of freedom, security, health and life will not be any less painful.  We still need space to grieve, to express anger and disappointment, and to confess our own shortcomings.  Only then can we begin to offer forgiveness, make amends, and begin to heal.

Thankfully, our hope does not really rest on the fragility of the political system.  These passages of hope are only a few of those that can be found in Scripture, but I pray they will be an encouragement to you today.  Share with friends who may also benefit from these words of hope and encouragement.  Even better, jot them into a card or text message and invite your friend to speak freely with you about their pain and grief so you can also be part of one another's hope and healing.

Psalm 34:18
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.

Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Matthew 11:28
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

1 Corinthians 13:13
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

1 Peter 5:10
After you have suffered a little while, our God, who is full of kindness through Christ, will give you his eternal glory. He personally will come and pick you up, and set you firmly in place, and make you stronger than ever.

Ephesians 1:18-21
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.