Friday, February 25, 2011

The Land of Hope

"I saw God before me all the time
Nothing can shake me; He's right by my side.
I'm glad from the inside out, ecstatic;
I have pitched my tent in the land of hope."
Acts 2:26
Ps. 16
The Message

This past week was certainly filled with unsettling news ~ The uprisings in so many countries, gas prices exploding, the protests here in America, the death of 4 missionaries by pirates, and the devastating earthquake in New Zealand. Even though we may not personally be affected by much of it, our hearts ache for those involved. A while ago God blessed me with an email devotional that gave me a special Bible verse from Acts, just when I needed it.   It is now a mantra for me.   "I have pitched my tent in the land of hope."  I love this!  When I looked it up, I discovered even more to ponder, and that David had written these words in Psalm 16, and that they were also prophetic words writtne about Jesus. 

The Psalmist David knew that he needed to keep his focus on God.  He knew what we know in our hearts ~ that we need to keep God before us no matter how hard or challenging the journey.  We always need to remember that God is with us...beside us...ahead of us...behind us.  Just knowing that keeps us steady and gives us the strength and joy to be ecstatic from the inside out.... pitching our tents in the land of hope. 

Remembering that Jesus is our Guide, our Protector, and our Healer.......here.............in the Land of Hope, gives us cause to rejoice! What a beautiful place is this Land of Hope. Let's place our tents side by side and build a city in there, giving thanks to God for all that He has provided to help us on our journey.  We are blessed.

Join Charlotte and Ginger at Spiritual Sundays to link up your own post, or read other inspirational posts.  http://www.bloogerspirit.blogspot.com/   

14 comments:

Sr Crystal Mary Lindsey said...

Hello Rene, Yes when we look at the world around us all all the chaos we realise how very blessed we are. You live in the land of hope,and so do I. Yet we suffered our floods and the U.S. had snow storms..
And as you say. We need to keep our focus on God and know He is always with us. God Bless. CM x

Elaine said...

Isn't it wonderful to know that God is with us. Always and forever. I agree, the world seems to be spinning out of control. But God already knows all this and has it covered. The thought of everyone pitching their tents together is profound and comforting.

Thanks for sharing.

Blessings,

Elaine

Anonymous said...

Wow! What an awesome post. I love that scripture- "I have pitched my tent in the land of hope." AMEN!!!

Nikki (Sarah) said...

I don't watch the news often b/c it is pretty scary...so many awful things happening to people....in Him though I do feel safe...I know whatever happens...I'll be able to face it with Him in my corner...thanks for posting this

Karen said...

I am so thankful to know the Lord in days like these!

Joan Hall said...

We can easily become overwhelmed if we focus on circumstances and not on Jesus.

Wonderful post, Renee.

Charlotte said...

This is a great reminder. I like that statement I have pitched my tent in the land of hope. What in the world would we do without that hope.
Blessings,
Charlotte

Virginia said...

We need to believe in God and His promises with a living faith.
At the end every thing will be alright for those who believe.
Blessings,
Virginia

Annesphamily said...

We must continue to love,trust and serve the Lord. He is such a force in our lives even though madness is all around us. Thanks for this lovely post today. Anne

Pamela said...

I believe I am going to take this as a mantra this week: I have pitched my tent in the land of hope. Beautiful word picture.

Mevely317 said...

I'm embarrassed to admit, but wasn't familiar with that scripture. What a wonderful outlook ... it's our choice, isn't it -- where we choose to pitch our tents? Thank you, Renee, for brightening my Sunday morning!
Have a wonderful day ... and give Levi a big hug for me!

Musings of A Minister said...

We could not live without hope. "...the land of hope." What an uplifting, powerful verse. Just reading the words and saying them over and over makes me feel better---and gives me hope. Thank you.

Vintagesouthernlife said...

When we view the news and all of the devastation and pain in this world it is so comforting to know that in him there is hope.
Thanks for sharing these uplifting words. I needed to read this today.
Annette

MTJ said...

Hi Renee,

Here in America, the news of world events may often sound like another edition of the news. The reality is that all events impact our global society.

Thank you for sharing words of hope and inspiration; we do live in the land of hope.

Let us offer prayers for those in countries facing upheaval, catastrophy, and dire circumstances.

Blessings and peace.

MTJ