Wishes vs. Hope

I went for a bicycle ride tonight with my daughter and her friend. Strolling down the quiet sidewalk, I heard a loud "Stop!" and turned around to see Natalie's friend jump off her bike.

Down she goes, bending over and then quickly popping up with a dandelion to blow in the wind. With closed eyes she takes a deep breath, and blows out as the light breeze carries away the fluffy seeds. 

"Okay... Let's go!"  And we were off again.

Wishes. They're magical hopes, we want to believe in; but down deep we know their chances of really coming to pass are pretty slim. 

Now, take a look at hope. 

This I recall to mind, therefore I have hope. The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:21-23

Never cease. Never fail. New every morning. Great is God's faithfulness. 

Now this is something we can believe in, and experience the power of hope in the deep places of our hearts. They are "root words" that will hold you steady and encouraged through every storm and change of life. 

Hope. It isn't magical and doesn't blow in the wind. But it is the power of God to hold you close to his heart and purposes.  It will hold your life together, come what may.

May your roots sink deep today in the love and faithfulness of God.