The Promise of Hope 

“The hope that resides deep inside you is stronger than you think. It ’s a survival mechanism built into you by the Master Designer. Even when it seems to be ebbing low, if you’ll give it a chance, it will probably bubble back up again.

Whether the rain in your own life is a steady, wearying drizzle, a dramatic deluge, or just a threatening cloud on the horizon, I want you to know that God’s purpose in it all is to draw you closer into his warm embrace and then to use you to draw others to him as well.

Hope is a feeling. It’s a sense of buoyant optimism, a sense that everything ’s going to be all right in the time to come. A feeling of hope is what puts a spring in your step as you step toward the future. It gives you energy and momentum, and makes you want to accomplish a lot. It’s a wonderful thing to feel hopeful. We need that shot of energy that comes with hopeful emotions.

And now, when the clouds seem to be lifting and the colors begin  to shine through the clouds (but who knows what will happen in the future?), I can see so much more clearly the ways in which I have indeed been restored, supported and strengthened, and established. It didn’t happen exactly the way I thought it would, but the results were so much deeper and more wonderful than I could imagine…But you and I could never know the wonderful things that God has in store for us than when we bring him our overflowing cup of trouble…and then let him fill us to overflowing with his love.”

*From the book “Promise of Hope” By Emily Barnes Copyright 2002 Harvest House Publishers

I have a good friend who is in the process of divorce. She is married to an alcoholic who has been sober for about 7 years. Those of you that were married to an alcoholic, or grew up with a parent, have a family member or close friend that suffers from alcoholism know what a roller coaster ride a relationship with an alcoholic can be. My friend is a believer who has fallen away from God. She has told me that she feels forsaken by Him.

I know my friend is not alone. I have heard other believers tell me the same thing when their marriages were falling apart. I know it is difficult to understand how God can seemingly allow this to happen. I have watched my friend through the years supporting her husband, sticking it out through the hard times, seeking God and trying to do the right thing, only to see her marriage/husband go from bad to worse. I can understand her disappointment, confusion and frustration with her marriage ending in divorce. I have never been in a close relationship with an alcoholic so I can’t fully understand the dynamics of alcoholism. 

If there is ever a time a believer needs God, it is when we walk through the valleys of life. My friend knows she has done everything she possibly could to save her marriage. I have no doubt she will be a healthier and better person in due time. God loves my friend and I know He has good plans for her.

If you are in a similar situation. If you are mad at God, you feel forsaken. I encourage you to seek Him. You can tell God what you are feeling. You can be honest with Him. He knows your heart. He understands your pain. Why not turn to Him and let Him help you through this difficult time. God is not punishing you. He has not turned his back on you. Give God your pain, your heartache and your brokenness. Ask Him to heal you, for His comfort, strength and grace to get you through this valley. God wants you to draw closer to Him. Find your hope in Him. 

As a suggestion: You might try journaling your thoughts and feelings to God. Sometimes it can be helpful to write it all out. Tell Him everything; your fears, disappointment, anger, pain, your worries and concerns. Now might be a good time to ask Him to give you new hopes and new dreams to replace the old ones.

As always you are encouraged and welcome to leave comments or thoughts below.

Copyright 2009 Shelley Grieser All Rights Reserved.

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