Hope Grows

Because Hope lives, Hope grows.

Jesus doesn’t change, but we do in His presence.

This morning I posted a prayer request for our Braedon who recently bared his depressed soul on Instagram. I am thankful to God for opening Braedon’s mouth to tell us. Praise His Holy name for leading Braedon to agree to take a healing journey with Jesus Himself guided by me.

As God began to gather His praying saints online, I saw this image on our living room wall:

Yes, Lord, thank You. Please shine Your light into the darkness surrounding Braedon.

There are zero coincidences in His Kingdom. No happen-stance shadows. Only He who listens and responds to our prayers. ~join me on the blog for the soft introduction to the coming book on #hope.

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Until now you have not asked for anything in My name. Ask and you shall receive, and your joy will be complete (John 16:24).

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds (Psalm 147:3).

Currently, I am writing a book on hope, the living Hope I didn’t know as I suffered through years of depression and loneliness.

Only God can orchestrate such timing. Braedon identifies loneliness as a big part of his depression.

Today, I cried fresh tears as I opened my heart to pour words onto the book pages. When your child is stuck in darkness that you know intimately, you climb down in the pit and sit beside him. Share the familiar burden. Allow your old wounds to speak hope into his, following the Lord’s lead in doing so.

Truly, I am overwhelmed with how God lined this up.

On my walk this afternoon, I went deliberately to refresh my soul with meditating on His creation. Seeking His living hope here in our neighborhood. In ministry, whether to our son or someone else, I must live out my faith authentically. I cannot preach to Braedon to mind his selfcare with getting outside for 30 minutes and stay hunkered down in front of the blue light of the computer.

Winter textures speak of a heartiness, a steadfastness:

It is for freedom that Christ set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery (Galatians 5:1).

Colors, though few, showed reds and green. The classic Christmas colors.

Hope was born to the world in December. I noticed many neighbors still have wreaths and lights up adorning their homes. Me? I am keeping our nativity set up for the duration. Each day we shall find some reason to celebrate Jesus. And if we have trouble because darkness looms, we shall look at Mary holding the infant, our Messiah, our Living Hope. We will follow her lead in treasuring and pondering things of Jesus (Luke 2:19).

His sky affords a canvas of hope daily. I long to see Jesus coming one day as I look up. Until then, I welcome God’s will be done in the air: the blue hues, the super tall trees, the reminder that He takes care of the birds of the air just as He takes care of us. That we shall not worry when we trust in Him alone:

(Jesus speaking) Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet Your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can anyone of you by worrying add a single hour to your life (Matthew 6:26-27)?

Hope grows when we seek Him in all things, not just His Word or just on Sunday mornings. Though worship with other believers and His Bible are extremely important, too. If you struggle with depression, remember you are not alone, ever. Our Jesus does not leave or forsake those who love Him.

It is good to remember God in the every day grind of life. For He is the Hope, the Light, the Forever Friend calling to you now. Do you hear Him? Will you reach out to grow your #hope in Him?

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(Jesus speaking) I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from My Father I have made known to you (John 15:15).

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Thank you, readers. This is turning out to be a struggle of a season in so many ways. Writing helps me, as I pray He uses it to help you.

Regarding the first book that God says will be published this year, if you would like to be on an email list for that release date and/or invite to participate on the launch team, please feel free to email me at juliedibblespeaks@gmail.com. I will keep you on the list until the time comes 🙂

If you are in a tough dark season, please know there are people praying for you. Some whom you may never meet. And Jesus loves you. His love is the biggest love possible. Receive it. Call 911 or the Suicide Hotline if ever you are desperate about life or death 1 800-273-8255.

All photos in this post are mine.

I look forward to hearing from you, if not this post perhaps the next.

Love in Him,

Julie