Thursday, January 24, 2008

No Match for Hope

The world says, "You can't do it." Hope says, "I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

The world says, "You are nothing." Hope says, "You are holy and dearly loved."

The world says, "You're not powerful enough, pretty enough, smart enough, rich enough, sexy enough." Hope says, "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."

The world says, "There is no way." Hope says, "I am the way and the truth and the life."

The world says, "You are simple and ignorant and foolish." Hope says, "Blessed are you when people insult you because of me. Great is your reward in heaven."

The world says, "Life is meaningless." Hope says, "I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

The world says, "A loving God would never let bad things happen." Hope says, "God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

The world says, "No one cares." Hope says, "I have loved you with an everlasting love and "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

The world says, "You don't matter." Hope says, "I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, 'You are my servant'; I have chosen you and have not rejected you."

The world says, "You're on your own. You have to look out for yourself. No one's going to do it for you." Hope says, "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you."

I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope; Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:19-23



Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
Psalm 34:8


Read more Thankful Thursday posts at Sting My Heart.

19 comments:

Susan said...

Good morning Tami,

Happy TT!

This was great... Oh, that is one of my all time favorite passages.

Blessings!

Dianne said...

Tami, what a striking contrast you have painted here for us. And I love all the scripture you used.

Anonymous said...

Tami, Thank you for the words od wisdom from God. It meant so much this morning as I prayed for these requests. Lisa Sink, my daughter-in-laws mother is back in the hospital. Low sugar the steroids she takes for the brain tumor are causing this. Thank you again. Libby Perkins

Anonymous said...

Oh its nice to read others what to be thankful because it inspired me too. Thanks for this. Take care.

Living Beyond said...

Copy and save, copy and save it what I do when I come visiting here.

Powerful and perfect

THANK YOU!

HOPE always has an expected end!!
Hallelujah!

Heather said...

Tami - that was beautiful. The kind of thing that I should put up on my wall to be reminded of regularly.

Marsha said...

Thank you, Tami! This is so beautifully written. I needed to hear this. Thank you again.

Denise said...

Once again, you nailed it Tami. Thanks for reminding us just who we are in Him! Denise R.

Denise said...

Awesome post, bless you.

Aunt Angie said...

Tami...you did it again...I sit here in awe. Completely not wanting to shed tears again...because my nose is already stopped up but can't seem to help myself. You have touched on some serious things I have been up against this week. As a matter of fact, my sister Wanda and I discussed a couple of them just last night before Bible Study. God amazes me. All the time.

twinklemom said...

Very inspiring and beautiful! Thank you Tami for sharing that!!

Unknown said...

Tami,

This is so beautiful and well written. A message we need to hear over and over. Thank you.

Love you and always love reading your thoughts. God bless, Lynn

eph2810 said...

Oh, Tami this is so beautiful :) I love how you have answered the worlds view with Scripture passages. Did our Lord say "You can not live on bread alone, but on the Word of God"...

Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful Thankful Thursday list with us.

Be blessed as you have blessed me.

Heather said...

Tami - I have tagged you to participate in a meme. Hope you can participate!

Brenda said...

Satan yells at me "He will never get well. He will never heal". God whispers to me "Trust me." "Greater is He that is in you then he that is in the world"

Susannah said...

Wonderful Tami. Scripture is all sufficient and complete to meet every one of our needs for encouragement. Amen, sistah!

Anonymous said...

thanks for this post! it's uplifting...i’ve been wanting to fellowship with fellow christian bloggers. by the way, i want to invite you to get a copy of my ebook on Rediscovering Your Intelligence from my site. it can be read in one sitting and quite relevant for the family… blessings!

Aunt Angie said...

Tami...Now, don't hate me....and I know you're busy....but I was tagged---I avoided it all year last year....wouldn't participate in these, but I felt like I should do this ONE and ONLY meme. So I tag you. And if you have a chance participate...or just hit me. Yes with a ball bat. It's ok.
Love you girl!

Christine said...

Wonderful reminders for my SUnday, thanks, Tami.

:)