Hope_Ecclesiastes 9:4-12

At first glance, these verses seem so discouraging, with words like "meaningless life", "for in the grave where you are going", and "so men are trapped in evil times..." Yet, the message here is that while we live THERE IS HOPE!

Verse 4 says "Anyone who is among the living has hope...", and that we must enjoy God's favor or blessings.

Verse 7 says "Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for it is NOW that God favors what you do."

As flawed humans we tend to live in the past (regrets) and plan our future (anxiety) which we have no control of. This is why Jesus calls us not to be anxious about tomorrow in Matthew 6:34, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day is enough trouble of its own." What He calls us to do rather is to BE PRESENT in His PRESENCE.

The Rubber Band

It’s commonplace enough, found in most office desks, kitchen drawers and even in my bag! It has a myriad of uses. I use it to hold together used wrapping paper or cartolina; bundle up straying electric cords; and ponytail my daughter’s hair. As children, my brother and sisters used them as slingshots with rolled paper as ammo. But as I reflect on our 2018, there is a priceless lesson to be had from the ubiquitous rubber band. My faith in our good God is very much like a rubber band. He stretches me to the point I feel I’m about to snap, and as I cry out to Him, He then releases me. Just as I become complacent, He once again pulls me to where I think is my limit. You see, when He calls us to do His work, He stretches our faith like a rubber band so we can be pliable to His will, and therefore we can accomplish more. Painful, yes, and many times exhausting physically and emotionally. 2018 was a strenuous year to say the least for my family. It strained our resources, our patience, and our resolve. But despite all this, we have found beautiful blessings in loyal people, faithful friends, and a purpose for the family that has remained steadfast. For all these, we are truly grateful. In all honesty, however, I whisper a prayer: “Lord, can the stretching please stop and let us catch our breath?” I have no answer, yet I look toward to 2019 in hope, and continue to pray— When we feel helpless with situations surrounding us and we feel hopeless, You are our Hope. When we see violence and hatred all around, You are our Peace. When misery and despair engulf us, You are our Joy. “We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name. May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in You.” -- Psalm 33:20-22