I sat in church, praying, "Lord, let me hear you. Let me see you."
I stood on stage singing at the Christmas musical about His birth and the joy this time of year brings, praying, "God, give me joy."
I stood beside my mom, discouraged after a day full of what seemed to be hopelessness. The words tumbled out of my mouth as if I didn't care, "I've given up all hope of having a normal Christmas this year. I'm just done." I shook my head and turned around, ready for a new day.
As I sat on my bed, doing my quiet time, I tried to hear His voice. I tried to see why all of this was going on. I prayed, I begged, "God, give me Your hope, Your peace. I need you."
It hit me. All at once it hit me. I could hear Him.
"My child, don't you see? I've been whispering my hope to you all day long! You just weren't listening. You were too busy seeking comfort in other things that you simply didn't hear my voice all day. I am hope. I am peace. I am joy. I am with you, my hope is with you. I am for you."
That morning in church, the sermon was about seeking the ONLY hope at this time of year. The hope in Jesus Christ.
"For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience." Romans 8:24-25
I stood on stage, singing about JOY and HOPE in Christ because of what He had done.
Luke 2:14, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
I received encouraging words and texts from friends, checking up on us and seeing if we needed anything.
"We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf..." Hebrews 6:19-20
I sat on my bed and read verses that ALL had to do with hope. I was too busy looking to stop and listen.
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." Romans 15:13
My eyes were opened and there He was, whispering hope all day long.
And He's always there, always whispering hope into our darkest days, wanting us to stop and listen.
Because this hope He whispers is the greatest comfort.
So stop and listen.
Listen for His voice, whispering in the dark, "You are mine."
~Bailey
