Renewed Hope

As I walked in the beauty of the autumn afternoon, the wispy clouds gracefully danced across the expanse of blue sky. The leaves were playfully being blown by the light wind. It was a perfect day, yet stinging tears were falling down my face as I felt a deep sadness. It had been my hope that this therapeutic walk would shed this unsettling overpowering residue of heart heaviness.

This walk was occurring the day after one of the most contentious elections of recent history. The results have ushered in a new swirling firestorm of deep divides, anger, unrest, and distrust. It’s fierceness threatens to tear us all apart. Maybe, you have felt the weightiness of this, too.

How do we live in these unprecedented times? How do we hope for something more for our kids?

I don’t pretend to have answers. The issues of the day carry great complexity. I will spare you a lengthy discussion. We are all drowning in the tidal waves of ongoing news, editorials, commentaries, and social media posts, which have created a vortex of negativity and fear. Perhaps, stepping back from its exposure will bring a clearer perspective.

As I walked in the silence of that moment, I recognized that my heart had lost the bigger perspective—the eternal perspective. There are many things that are unclear—uncertain— yet  I can choose to rest my heart in what I do know: God is good. God is sovereign. God is all powerful, and He will have the last say on all the chapters of history.  


Now, as we enter the season of Advent, may we rekindle our hope as we reflect on the birth of Christ and the promise of His return. This reality offers to propel us beyond the swirling political chaos of the day.

In light of circumstances, Isaiah’s words spoken thousands of years ago brings comfort and a renewed eternal perspective. Eugene Peterson’s translation from The Message says it with breathtaking beauty: “For a child has been born—for us! The gift of a son—for us. He’ll take over the running of the world. His names will be: Amazing Counselor, Strong God, Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness. His ruling authority will grow, and there’ll be no limits to the wholeness He brings” (Isaiah 9:6).

These words leave me breathless with wonder especially as I apply them to the uncertainties of today. Wholeness appears to be lost to this divided country. But, anything held in the hands of the Prince of Wholeness is not lost, so wholeness is possible.

Let us move forward in revived hope, knowing that Jesus—the Prince of Wholeness—is still in the trenches of life with us, writing the redemption stories of our country, our world, and our own personal histories. His redemption brings unlimited ongoing wholeness to all who know Him and stake their lives on His promises.

Friends, as we  approach this season of Advent, may we take a few quiet moments to ask ourselves a few reflective questions: How can I cultivate wholeness in my life? How can I bring wholeness to my family? And lastly, How can I be a conduit of wholeness and peace to those in my sphere of influence?



Word of the Day:
For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:11, ESV)

Father God, will you give us a fresh renewed perspective of Jesus in this season of Advent. Help us prepare our hearts for His birth. Propel us forward in the promise of His return, which gives us hope to rise above the swirling chaos of the day. We ask all this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Author:  Maryanne Abbate