Archaic Trust

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What is hope?

Miriam-Webster’s defines hope this way: “To cherish a desire with anticipation. Archaic trust. To desire with expectation of obtainment. To expect with confidence.”

If we are hoping for something, aren’t we waiting? Maybe we’re searching? This something may not be essential for our survival, but we know our lives would be better with it.

At times I have found myself wondering what this something to hope for might be. Have you ever felt this way?

This week I chose to read a devotional about the beach, perhaps to spark my imagination, because I’d like things in my life to be different. I am not even sure exactly what I would change. (Particularly, I just want to be at the beach).

I realized this dream fully the other day as I traversed the cold woods alone. I cannot wait for La Primavera (the springtime).

As I watched the birds, I felt I needed to do something, but I didn’t know what. The sun was shining and the birds were the only creatures about. The birds seemed so happy, even in the cold. How my life would be different if I could let go of all my striving?

Jesus says, in Matthew 10:29, NKJV— “Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will.” God takes care of the birds, and they do not seem to be worried even in the bleakest part of the season.

My insides felt distressed, not calm like one of the creatures. Then I said, “I surrender this feeling of uncertainty, and this feeling of frustration. I surrender all my hopes that I cannot even name to You, God. And I give up my ideas of what life should be. I surrender . . . fully.”

The next day I realized I had to surrender to God all over again. I didn’t have any answers—but I felt a lot better!

Perhaps life is about putting all our hope in God and learning to let Him be the author of our story. Archaic-ly trusting Him. I truly believe the first step is to fully surrender to God. Surrender your expectations and your questions. He has the answers and we must trust Him with them.

As I once again crunch leaves underfoot and breathe in the crisp air, I think maybe I am where God wants me right now. Maybe life was never meant to be so complicated.

Thanks for reading!