Whispering Hope

"We have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters the inner shrine behind the curtain." Hebrews 6:19

"In hope of eternal life, that God, who never lies, promised before the ages began." Titus 1:2

In the country church where I grew up, each fall we celebrated the harvest season with a church supper and bazaar. Youth were invited to share music during the meal. One year, I played "Whispering Hope" on my clarinet. Septimus Winner wrote the hymn inspired by Hebrews 6:19. (You can Google "Whispering Hope" to learn more.)

On Sunday, August 28, 2016, we sang the hymn, "God is Calling Through the Whisper." Note: God calls us with a whisper - not loudly and demanding. Yet, God's hope is sure and steadfast.

Everywhere I look, the word "hope" jumps out at me. The college football preview, Husker Extra, Lincoln Journal Star is simply titled "Hope." In part, the sub-title states, "loyal fans remain constant in their belief of better days." A "Guideposts" magazine headline proclaims, "Embracing Hope - in Troubled Times." Perhaps it is because we are bombarded with messages of troubled times that we hunger for words of hope. We are reassured by the words in Hebrew 6:19 and Titus 1:2 and other scriptures.

Prayer: God, we need your promises of hope today more than ever. Be with us in our daily lives and as we seek your hope of eternal life. Amen.

Lois Poppe (reprinted from 2016)