By Mariah Velasquez, Associate Director, Martin Institute Hope Unswervingly

“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all the darkness.” ― Bishop

Desmond Tutu
 
“Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul — and sings the tunes without the words — and never stops at all.” ― Emily Dickinson
 
Hope can be difficult to find in the midst of the news. The world looks bleak at times. And yet, somehow, God is here in the midst of photos and headlines. One helpful way to see more clearly is to zoom out and remember the big picture. The psalmist does this in Psalm 33.
 
Psalm 33:6-7, 18-22
By the word of the Lord the heavens were made,
    and all their host by the breath of his mouth.
He gathered the waters of the sea as in a bottle;
    he put the deeps in storehouses. …
 
Truly the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him,
    on those who hope in his steadfast love,
to deliver their soul from death,
    and to keep them alive in famine.
 
Our soul waits for the Lord;
    he is our help and shield.
Our heart is glad in him,
    because we trust in his holy name.
Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us,
    even as we hope in you.
 
PAUSE for a moment to be still with God. Then slowly reread the Psalm above. Is there a word or phrase that shimmers for you?  In what areas of your life do you need unswerving hope in God right now? What might God want to communicate through the word or phrase that sticks out? When you’re ready, read the Psalm one more time, being present with God in this moment.
 
NOTICE As you go about your day, notice light. Anytime a glimmer of sunlight reflects on a window or a room bursts with light when you turn on a lamp, take a moment to offer a brief prayer, “God, thank you for being my light.”

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