A Glimmer of Hope

“Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD,

and whose hope the LORD is.“

Jeremiah 17:7

“…a glimmer of hope is breaking through the clouds…”, the words to the song danced in my heart…”I know You’ll see me through somehow.”

Sometimes a day seems to offer a menu of sunshiny goodness mornings which give way to dark, gray afternoons. You know, the sun could be shining brightly one moment, then with the next passing minutes, change to a dreary view bringing with it an ugly storm. It’s so prevalent this time of year here in Georgia. I think they might be called “pop up” thunderstorms. One almost plans for it even though it might not be seen on the radar at this moment.

As we drove yesterday to get our grand-boy from the airport, this phenomenon happened. We were driving along the interstate, me enjoying my new sunglasses and quiet time with my husband, when all the sudden traffic began to slow. I soon noticed that the blue sky had turned into a dark, looming shade of gray. The next thing I knew, the bottom fell out of the sky and the atmosphere and beautiful day was totally altered.

That’s how life can be some days. You know them and have experienced what I’m talking about. I’m sure, if you’re able to read this, you’ve witnessed days like this. They’re an inevitable part of life — with or without God. The saying is, “It rains on the just and unjust alike.”

There are several particular days like this which stand out in my own mind and life. One being, when our son was life flighted to New Orleans in hopes of finding and repairing internal injuries resulting from his motorcycle wreck early that morning. The beautiful sunshiny sky literally transformed into darkness and a soul-drenching rainstorm in what seemed like only seconds after receiving the call that he had finished his earthly journey. I’ve always felt like God allowed the sun to hide so the world could weep with us in that horrific moment as we entered the unfamiliar realm and journey of grief.

That’s only one of my examples, I’m sure you’re recalling your own experiences at this moment too. We all have our own stories to share and crosses to bear. It’s simply how life works.

After we picked up our grand-boy and headed back home a few hours later, we were pleasantly surprised to see this small piece of a rainbow gleaming through the still darkened sky. I immediately thought, “a glimmer of hope.” Rainbows remind me that God has given us promises to hold onto, that He is always there no matter the circumstances, that He sees us right where we are, and that He will see us through somehow.

Hope. What do we have without it? I’d dare to say nothing.

If you’re experiencing your own personalized storm right now, please remember you’re not alone. Hold onto the hope and assurance that God is the Author and Finisher of our faith and that He holds our world in His hands. Let me remind you, as I frequently must do for myself, that God is bigger than any storm we can ever face. He WILL bring a glimmer of hope; we can hold onto Him and to His promises. The truth is, He is actually holding us in those dark, stormy moments. I like to imagine myself being wrapped up securely in a soft, rainbow-colored blanket, and being nestled safely inside His loving, protective arms. He is a good Father!

My friend, no matter what today might look like in your world, trust that God has made you and me promises and we can assuredly wrap our arms and hearts around them. Hold tightly to the fact that we are seen and heard, loved and supported — even when the thunderstorms of life catch us by surprise and we’re suddenly thrown for a loop. Our loving Father never wavers, falters, or is caught off guard. If we will just continue to trust and believe, we’ll soon see a glimmer of hope and testify of His faithfulness to us yet again. I have.

I am here, encouraging you today, having experienced my own stormy - and rainbow - moments. That’s why I can promise you today that God will do the same thing for you if you will just hold on to your faith and His promise. I can testify that He is faithful!!! Sure, the thunder and lightning may roar in this moment, and you may be shivering from the cold, hard rain and scared of the storm; but may you allow the peace of God to hold you gently through the storm. I pray today that you will experience that calming assurance of being gently wrapped and securely held within His love, character and promise today. Catch a glimmer of hope.

God bless and be with you today. My prayers are with you ~

Song: Not Finished by James Wilson