Hope Again
“[The encampments of Israel] are like gardens beside a stream...”
When I’m hurting, I pack up my stuff and peace out from the streams of living water. I march off to lick my wounds and camp away from everyone and everything - including God. I look for a barren, lonely spot because if everyone is far away, no one can hurt me. Right? Wrong.
Truth be told, I don’t want to leave - I want to be seen and heard and loved and wanted. My self-inflicted isolation hurts just as much as disappointment. When I take off, I’m desperate for someone to miss me. I’m desperate for someone to love me enough to come after me.
God never tires of coming after you.
Although it doesn’t always feel like it, our God never tires of coming after you. As soon as I start packing, He sits right there saying, “Don’t go.” As soon as I leave, He runs after. When I’m making camp in the lonely place, He’s whispering, “Come back. I don’t want you to be alone.”
Sisters, where do you camp? Where do you pitch your tent? Do you camp beside the streams of living water? Near streams of hope and forgiveness and generosity? Or do you push away? Do you isolate yourself and make camp in the middle of the barren land?
Sisters, this is a hard time of year. It can feel lonely, and it’s tempting to isolate yourself. But if you’re not camped at the stream of living water, maybe it’s time to come back. Maybe it’s time to open the door to joy and renew your hope. Maybe it’s time for hope again.
Father,
Thank You for always welcoming us back to the living stream. Thank You for always running after us, for inviting us back into Your home.
Father, please help us to look to You when we’re hurting. Help us to pitch our tents near Your streams of hope and life instead of our own. Show us how to build our lives around You.
God, You are our living hope, and we love You. Help us to trust in the hope You offer. Amen.