Keep Hope Alive

Keep Hope Alive | lylidunbar.com

On February 28, 1944, Corrie ten Boom and her family were arrested by the Gestapo in Holland for hiding Jewish refugees in their home. Their courageous effort to save lives from Nazi extermination led to their own incarceration in Ravensbruck. Stripped of their dignity and freedom, the sisters managed to smuggle a Bible into their flea-infested barracks and start a prayer meeting. Each night as they opened up the Word of life, they chose to take their eyes off the cruelty of man and look to the love of Christ. Their persevering faith in the midst of affliction pointed many lost souls to true salvation. Corrie learned: “There is no pit so deep that God’s love is not deeper still.”

The first two chapters of Lamentations describe the deep despair of God’s people when they were imprisoned by Babylon. Jeremiah weeps over the city which stands in shambles. But in Chapter 3, the Prophet purposefully shifts His perspective and begins to remember the mercy and compassion of God. He chooses to reflect on the faithfulness of God’s character rather than rehearse the futility of his circumstances. The city was in ruins, but God’s righteous reign still endured. Jeremiah challenges God’s people to persist in prayer and wait for God’s sure salvation.

The word β€œwait” here is not a passive term. Waiting on God’s deliverance is a purposeful choice to look ahead with hopeful expectation and eagerness. Corrie ten Boom didn’t languish in inactivity as she waited. She moved forward trusting that God was providentially working through her afflictions to bring greater glory to Himself.

When we purpose to contemplate God’s mercy and not give in to misery, He births hope in our hearts even in the darkest of times. We can walk forward in full confidence that God will deliver us from captivity. God’s lovingkindness never leaves us. We must trust that He is working toward a complete restoration and will rescue us soon.

If you are in a valley season right now, don’t give in to complacency. Keep hope alive in your heart by focusing on the faithfulness of your God. He always keeps His promises.

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Let’s Chat:

How do you keep hope alive in yourΒ  heart on dark days?

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“Keep Hope Alive” was originally published at Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale’s Daily Devo.

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11 Comments

  1. Wow! I’m so glad I’m your neighbour at #RaRaLinkup. I have been focusing on hope a lot recently and was drawn to the book of Lamentations. Thrilled to see your mention of it here as well. Thank you for your beautiful and timely reminder to focus on God’s faithfulness.

  2. I keep hope alive by remembering 1Thess – to rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances. There is always, always, a scrap of something good. Seek out that tiny sliver because the smallest amount of light makes the dark not so terrible.

  3. Thanks for such an encouraging post Lyli! I keep faith alive by remembering what God has done in the past, by praying and spending time in His word. And by sharing together with other believers as we can encourage each other.

    Blessings to you! I”m your neighbor this week at #TuneInThursday.

  4. I’ve been thinking about Corrie and Betsy ten Boom so much lately. (Kind of a strange thing to say, I guess.) Have you ever read “A Prisoner and Yet,” by Corrie ten Boom? I read that last year and it really moved me. Good reminder that: “Waiting on God’s deliverance is a purposeful choice to look ahead with hopeful expectation and eagerness.” Thank you, Lyli. ((xoxo))

  5. Lyli, the ten Boom sisters are such a fine example for the perseverance that we sometimes must endure. with the precious Bible and those wonderful fleas and lice which kept the guards away, they were able to share God’s Truth in the midst of horror. Yes, we wait. God’s gives us hope.
    Thank you, Lyli.

  6. Lyli, I so needed this reminder after coming off of speaking at a women’s retreat and being bombarded with difficult circumstances upon returning home. Thank you for the reminder of hope!!

  7. Yes, God always keeps His promises – not on our timetable – but He always does – I love this post and reminder Lyli – thank you

    I am so glad you could join the party last week at #TuneInThursday. I am so sorry it has taken me so long to get around to commenting on your post, I had a retreat I was speaking at this past weekend, and it put me behind a few days.

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