As you drive along mountain roads you can see signs that say,‘Beware of falling rocks!’ Good advice, but how do we put that into practice? If we saw some falling rocks, should we immediately stop the car and perhaps cause an accident? Or should we speed up and try not to be a target? Or should we just “watch and pray” and trust God to keep the rocks from falling?
The rocks didn’t come, but the fires did and we couldn’t see them coming or stop them from coming. The Black Forest has burned over 14,000 acres and over 500 home have been lost. The fire has triggered a lot of sad memories for those of us impacted from last year’s Waldo Canyon fire.
Over 850 homes have been totally destroyed in the Colorado Springs area in the last year. It’s one thing to hear about deep losses, but firsthand experience is quite another. Most of us have experienced some form of loss, but how do we respond to it? How do we find hope?
The grieving and healing process takes time and people process their disappointment and sadness in different ways. This last year I’ve seen traumatic heart breaking losses with friends who lost everything they own and their loved ones. In the news there’s amazing life changing stories from the victims of the fire and how 1st responders have saved lives and property. We hear stories from hopeful resilient people desiring to rebuild their lives, homes, neighborhoods and process together as communities.
For many their hope comes from their faith. How is it possible to experience abounding joy when we’re in the valley of despair? As the apostle Paul said we can experience hope from the Word of God. For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. Romans 15:4 Here are a few encouraging examples.
In the midst of his deep disappointment over the destruction of his homeland Nehemiah experienced real abiding hope and joy. Although distraught with the utter mess of his beloved homeland, upon his return he said, “The sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard from far away and the joy of the Lord is our strength” Neh.12:43; 8:10.
Though we may be hurting and numb hope is indeed possible during our anger, tears, disappointment and fears. Though Nehemiah’s book opens with ‘great trouble’ he closes with ‘great joy’ because their great God allowed them to rebuild the walls of his beloved Jerusalem. When the Hebrews returned to their home in Israel after seventy years of their humiliating Babylonian exile they were able to express their deep joy despite their circumstances.
“When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy…. Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.”Psalm 126:1-3, 5-6
The rocks fell on Job. He suffered as few have suffered. In one day, all his great wealth was taken from him and his ten children died. Then he was afflicted with sores from head to foot, painful sores that disfigured him grossly and kept him awake at night. He left his home and sat outside the town on the ash heap where the trash was collected.
There he mourned and meditated, talked with some friends, and waited for the Lord to help him. When things couldn’t get much worse and after Job lost everything He was still able to express his hope.
”I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me! Job 19:25-27
During a time of Israel’s worsening condition Isaiah echoed this same hope to Israel with application for us by reminding them of God’s unending presence and love.
Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. Though a parent may forget you, I will not forget you. Isaiah 54:10; 49:15
It is possible to experience hope in the midst of severe disappointment and loss and with that hope a grateful heart. Gratitude goes against our need to feel in control of our environment. Sometimes with gratitude we just need to accept life as it is and be grateful for what we have.
Living with a grateful heart is good, but it’s even better if it causes you to go out and help others because of it. May God help us to help others by sharing the hope we have in Christ. Please share your comments and pictures.
Sharing Hope,
