Psalm 131:2-3 – But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, put your hope in the Lord both now and forevermore. (NIV)

Casey, my miniature long-haired dachshund, loves his stuffy toys, and in particular, his stuffed toy, Giraffe. Every night when he hops into bed, he races over to grab Giraffe, then hugs him to his furry little chest with both front paws. Once Giraffe is settled next to him, he is content, closes his eyes, and drifts off to sleep. Watching this scenario night after night reminds me not only of a child who finds comfort in the arms of its mother but also the need that each human heart has to find rest in the Lord.

When Casey hugs Giraffe to him, everything is right in his little doggy world, allowing him to rest in peace. Likewise, when we put our hope in the Lord and only in the Lord, we, too, are able to rest in peace, both day and night. The world offers us temporary hope in the form of material wealth, relationships, and the newest medical treatments and techniques, but God offers us secure hope. The world around us will always fail to live up to our expectations, but hope in God is a sure thing.

Why? Because the world's hope is based on the natural, while our hope in the Lord is based upon the supernatural. God's love for us as His children never ceases, never fails. It is there when all the world and what it has to offer is not. When our health declines, when our friends forsake us, when our wealth wanes, when our loved ones die, or when our reputation is slandered, God loves us none the less. He cares for us none the less. Rather like a mother, tender and compassionate, He is there to remind us that we are the apple of His eye and that in Him all things are possible — nothing is impossible with Him.

In the Lord, we find hope eternal. We find a hope to hold close to our hearts day and night, that our souls may find rest and contentment amidst the ever-changing flow of life.

Prayer: Father God, thank You that in You we find hope now and forevermore. Still our hearts and minds this day to remember Your great, never-failing love and compassion, that our souls might be at peace and rest amidst whatever this day may bring. In Christ's name, we ask. Amen.

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About the author:

Lynne Phipps <lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com>
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada
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