Experiencing wonder can help you hold onto hope by expanding your perspective. No matter what circumstances you’re facing, wonder directs your attention beyond those circumstances to God. Wonder reveals glimpses of God – the source of hope – at work.
I’m heartbroken by stories in the news lately about the brutal tragedies of war. As a former reporter and frequent news consumer, I’ve seen a lot of bad news. I’ve also worked to highlight the good news that happens, through my inspirational writing. Even in our fallen world’s most tragic situations, there is always hope. That hope comes from God, who never leaves us. However, sometimes we have trouble perceiving God’s presence. Sometimes we’re overwhelmed by bad news, and our hearts are broken by it all. Sometimes it takes encountering wonder to remind us that we do have a loving God who is at work in our world, no matter what mistakes humanity makes.
Staying informed about what’s happening in the news is important. But it’s also vital to let hope into the cracks that open up in our hearts when our hearts are broken. When we do that, compassion grows in our hearts, making our souls stronger.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the news or any situation in your own life, make it a priority to pursue wonder. You’re bound to find wonder when you intentionally seek it, because wonder brings you into contact with God. In Jeremiah 29:11-13, God promises: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
Easter – the ultimate holiday of hope – takes place this month. As we journey toward Easter, I hope my Crosswalk.com article 8 Holy Week Prayers to Lead Us to Easter will help you discover hope through a relationship with our redemptive God. Hope exists because God exists, and because of God’s great love that is always available for us.
This month, dare to hope by pursuing wonder and letting the wonder you find lead you closer to God. Learn more about how to do so day by day, in Wake Up to Wonder.
Blessings,
Whitney
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