hope

"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, 
   but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life."
                  -Proverbs 13:12


My parents always always used to repeat the first part of that verse to me as I grew up (and sometimes they still do). "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, babe." "Don't get your hopes up, Kait." Because when the possibility of something exciting comes up, I immediately start getting hopeful about it (see my entry on patience). Over the years, I have experienced a lot of unnecessary heartache because I got my hopes up too quickly over things that weren't solidified- and even some things that were. 

“Show me, LORD, my life’s end
   and the number of my days;
   let me know how fleeting my life is. 

You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
   the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Everyone is but a breath,
   even those who seem secure...

But now, Lord, what do I look for?
   My hope is in you."

      -Psalm 39: 4-5, 7

Friends, hoping in the Lord will never result in a hurt heart. He will never disappoint you or let you down. He will never compromise on his gifts for you or on his plans for your life. Put your hopes in Him and you will never experience dissatisfaction. 

"Israel, put your hope in the LORD, 

   for with the LORD is unfailing love 
   and with him is full redemption."
     -Psalm 130:7


The Lord is full of unfailing love and redemption. He has no limit. He has no end. Don't be afraid to hope in the Lord.