Finding Hope and Strength in Every Season

Have you ever wondered how finding hope and strength in every season might change the world? Some days it’s harder than others. I know. I’ve hiked out of enough valleys to realize the topic of finding courage and ambition when you’re weary or hopeless isn’t always an easy one to discuss. And what about new life? Can our lives really be renewed—without artificial fillers? After a few months away from the Inspire A Fire blog, I’ve chosen to tread here with you today, however, with caution—and much joy.

Even in the valleys of life, I believe there’s hope, strength, and rest for the journey.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

 
Romans 15:13

Seasons of suffering in our weaknesses and trusting without seeking

These days, it seems like everyone knows someone who is suffering from anxiety, depression, obesity, or oppression. Just ask your friends about their Gen X, Y, or Z family. Stories about young, beautiful souls searching for love or acceptance most of their lonely adult lives come to mind. Many have lost hope and don’t believe love or acceptance is attainable. And many don’t believe, God’s grace and everlasting love are free.

You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 29:13

Recent statistics prove more and more people aren’t finding hope and strength in every season. We’re blindly trusting pharmaceuticals to fight depression and super bugs, enhance stamina, or pre-embalm aging faces. And what about the true cost or side effects of these so-called wonder drugs and quick fixes? Could it be we’re all suffering in our weaknesses and trusting without seeking the light of the world?

Don’t let the promise of hope, strength, and new beginnings drift away.   

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Matthew 6:33

Finding strength in El Elyon

It’s been said that this generation has seen more progress—or is more progressive than any other in history. So, I can’t help but wonder why we’re living in a world where hate, hopelessness, and depression have reached unprecedented heights. Some say it’s the left. Others say, it’s probably more due to the right. I have a feeling, at times, we’re all off base. But why?

  • Could it be we’re searching without seeking?
  • Leading without shepherding?
  • Living and loving without believing God’s commandment to truly love one another? BTW, that includes the people some Christians think God could never love.
  •  Caring without sharing—especially about the One who holds everything—including all truth, knowledge, and understanding in His hands?

What if I’m called to be the only example of Jesus’s love in someone’s life today? And likewise, what if we forget that we’re accountable to God to be a light and not a judge? Whoa.

One attribute of his almighty name is God Most High. El Elyon. If we seek Him, we WILL find Him, and His son, Jesus. In every season of our lives. My hope and strength in every season is in him alone. It’s not in a pastor (even though he’s great), preacher, priest, governor, or president.

More scriptures to help you find hope, strength, and new life…

  • Strength: Psalms 46: 1-3 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.  Selah
  • Hope: Isaiah 40:31 “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”
  • New life: 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

Hope + springtime = new beginnings

I’m not rushing through this winter’s final weeks—even if this one showed more rainy days than the last few years. And yes, I’ll miss the snow! But I must remind myself that after the rain comes so many new beginnings and I look forward to them all.

I’m reminded that along with springtime, Easter is right around the corner. Thoughts of Jesus, his sacrifice, and the new life he offers us all come to mind. He settled it all on the cross just so we can have not only hope for tomorrow, and the next day, but eternity—in heaven with Him.

In Matthew 28:20 (ESV) Jesus said, “…observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Amen. In every season. Good or bad. Mountaintop or valley.

And so, these days, I hope to spend more time in the moment with my loved ones.

Even when we don’t see immediate evidence of these truths, let’s remember that faith is all about believing in what is not seen. Life can be an uphill battle at times. We may feel alone in what we’re facing today, but with God, there is always hope. For me. For you. And all our tomorrows.

Let’s find hope and new beginnings in every season’s sunrise.
 

Dear Friends,

Have you ever struggled with thoughts about finding hope and strength in every season? I’ve also felt the weight of heavy burdens, like personal or professional disappointments and failures, a battle with cancer, tragic losses (and near losses) of family members and dear friends . . . Plus a few real deer friends too. 

So today, in closing, I want you to know, I still believe in miracles. God has given me so many. I hope and pray there’s more to come. Although I know that even after much prayer and petition, He doesn’t always answer our prayers to our liking, I choose to remember things aren’t always as they seem. God’s ways are higher than anything we can comprehend. He knows what’s ahead. All we must do is trust Him.

I’m learning to accept occasional dreary walks through valleys, even when it’s not what I had hoped God planned for me. His love strengthened me and held me through every storm or trial along the way. I pray you let Him hold you too.

After all, sometimes we must walk in the rain before we dance in the sunshine. Right? If God cares for the flowers of the fields and the birds of the air, and the beasts on land, how amazing is it that He cares so much more for you and me?

The kindness of God never ceases to amaze me. Where does your help come from? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this subject here in the Inspire A Fire comments section below this post.

Want to read a few more of my IAF articles? Click the highlighted links scattered throughout this post or visit my Dreamdove’s Flights of Fancy blog and my DoveStories website.

It’s good to be back. I hope you missed me as much as I missed you. Wishing you strength, hope, and new life in every season of your journey.

~ Joann

Related articles about hope, change, and motivation:

Put Your Toe in the Water

Seasons Change 

Finding Wisdom and Strength in the Love of the Father
 

*Special thanks to Pixabay & image authors for use of all free images: Feature image author Couleur, # 1 image author Simon Berger (8 moments), #2 image author Pexels, #3 image author Larisa Koshkina (Larisa-K). Op: Sanna Jagus, LUM3N

Joann Claypoole

Joann Claypoole is an author, speaker, and former spa-girl entrepreneur. She's a wife, mother of four sons, “Numi” to four grandchildren, doggie-mom of two. The award-winning author of The Gardener’s Helper’s (ages 5-9 MJ Publishing2015) would rather be writing, hiking in the mountains, or inviting deer and other wildlife to stay for dinner near her western NC writing retreat. Visit her website: joannclaypoole.com and WordPress blog: https://joannclaypoole.wordpress.com/

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