Hope Does Not Disappoint

Project 365 – #233

…but we also exult in our tribulation, knowing that the tribulation brings about perseverence; and perseverence, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. ~Romans 5:3-5

As I was reading my Bible today, these verses jumped out at me.  It’s not always easy to see the silver lining when we’re dealing with tribulation in our lives.  We almost fear clinging on to hope as we may, once again, be let down, but the hope that we find in our faith – through Christ – through the Holy Spirit – that hope does not disappoint.  The Lord never promised us an easy life, but He did promise to provide for our needs.  Through Him, we have eternal hope.

D, Munchkin, and I were talking about some of the examples of how the Lord has provided for people in scripture.  There was a time, not that long ago, that families and communities took care of each other and helped each other out.  We saw the beauty of this in the Biblical account of Ruth and Boaz.  Ruth decided to stay with her mother-in-law even though custom dictated that she could go back home to her family.  Instead, she decided to stay with her mother-in-law to help take care of her after the loss of her husband and sons.  She (Ruth) went out into the fields to glean from the harvest.  (Note: People weren’t receiving hands-outs.  They still had to work for their food, but the farmers helped them out by allowing them to glean.)  Boaz (Ruth’s kinsman) stepped up and took responsibility for Ruth and helped provide for both her needs and Naomi’s needs.  We see a wonderful example of not only triumphing through tribulation, but also community and family helping out those in need.

Naomi and Ruth went through some terrible times in their lives, but they still had hope.  We are even more blessed because we have the entire Bible in our hands to study, to learn, to seek truth, to find peace, promise, and hope.  We have the Holy Spirit to guide us and comfort us.  We are blessed in so many ways.