What’s the thing I’m most likely to lose sight of when things don’t go smoothly, hope.

I watch the news. I see nothing but wars and rumors of wars.  I lose hope that peace can be achieved.

I think of all the homeless and hungry who are unseen here among us even in this wealthy nation.  I lose hope that our country can relearn a generosity of sharing that would redistribute this wealth more fairly.

I see sickness and suffering among those I know:  friends, family, neighbors, and church community.  I lose hope that they may be healed, that their suffering might end.

Personally, on those days when troubles seem to multiply, I begin to lose hope.

Then I read the words of the Psalmist in Psalm 119:114, “O Lord you are my refuge and my shield.  Your word is my source of hope.”

You are my refuge!  I’m reminded that we were never promised we’d find refuge in the nightly news, in the presence of homeless on the corners, or in the reports of those among us who suffer.  Lord, You are my refuge!   Our one and only refuge is Jesus Christ our Lord.  In His word we can find hope.

Judy