by Melody Ward

Created on: June 19, 2008   Last Updated: July 06, 2008

Holding Hope

Hiding behind the walls of pain, resentment mounted higher and higher as the voice of sorrow screamed for release. An unfair circumstance seemed to overtake, smoldering the last flame of light and diminishing hope of new dawns and dreams.

Mechanically chores were completed, yet my heart was still empty. Numbness settled in and life's joy was quenched. The routine inventory was taken. Each raw emotion was accounted for. Then, the question, now what, poked its head up determined to have his answer. A decision had to be made. That is when the light bulb of realization lit up. There was a choice. This soul of mine could either give in to fear and lie down to emotionally die, or choose to walk through the valley of overshadowing darkness.

In the midst of despair the promise of God held out hope. NIV Psalm 23:4 "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me."

Holding hope was the only thing that held me together on the days and nights my daughter was not with me. Custody battle had ripped our lives to shreds. Hope found me at the end of my rope when my heart was ready for death.

Hope in God led me to faith that God was with me. His word comforted me in NIV Isaiah 43:2, 5 "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."
"Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west."

Disappointment aimed to crush me, despair aimed to destroy me, circumstance aimed to cut me deep and scar me for life. Hope was my lifeline to cope with the unknown and know that God had already prevailed in the end.

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