The Paceline

The numbers on hope for you left brainers:

• 2.5 billion hits on a Google search for the word
• 152 hits in the Bible
• 56 Methodist hymns on the topic
• 10 posts mention hope in my blog. This will be # 11.

Do numbers matter when it comes to hope? Science would say no. Why look for something that has no proof?

Do people really search for hope? Paul Tripp reminded me yesterday that every human being is “hard wired for and concerned about hope. We’re all in a constant search for hope that delivers and lasts.” (1) 

So what does science say about the mental health of those living through the confusion and fear of 2020? Two different studies this year, one by Gallup and another by American Bible Society / Barna Group reveal that “frequent church attendees” and “scripture engaged people” (aka Bible readers) have done better than most folks this year and experienced “higher than average levels of hope.”

Expecting yourself or your children to be well above average is a pretty low bar in most families.  But above average hope is not bad in a chaotic year with a 100-year pandemic and sporadically competent leadership. (trying to be nice here)

Those studies explain why I have a clear sense of hope for next year. I haven’t been to “big” church in nearly 10 months. I’ve infrequently been to a very few, very small, outside gatherings. But I attend virtual church almost every week. I still run late getting there even though the trip from bedroom to breakfast table is really short.

And there is something I do every day. I read and I pray. It’s not particularly long, deep, or even intense – but it’s a regular engagement in scripture. I read a devotional and my Bible and pray. Every. Day. 

Since 2011, the year of our cancer, I’ve read a new devotional by a new author. I love their words – their phrases – their thoughts. They often speak of hope. I read this in 2013:

“Difficulties challenge our energy and our perseverance but bring the strongest qualities of the soul to life. There are times when everything looks very dark to me – so dark that I have to wait before I have hope. Waiting with hope is very difficult, but true patience is expressed when we must even wait for hope.

The purpose of our trials is not only to test our worthiness but also to increase it, just as the mighty oak is tested by the storms as well as strengthened by them. Faith grows through storms.  – L.B. Cowman (2)

L.B. (Mrs. Charles E.) Cowman provoked my hope then. Today she reminded me of the good purpose of storms. 

For those who are interested, below is the list of powerful books that have taken me step by step, day by day through disease, uncertainty, disappointment, death, disarray, storms, and pandemic. These small books are literally packed with hope.

• Jesus Calling – by Sarah Young
• Grace for the Moment by Max Lucado
• Streams in the Desert by L. B. Cowan
• Everyday Prayers by Scotty Smith
• A Year with C.S. Lewis by C.S. Lewis
• Heart of the Matter by Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF) 
• My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers
• Quiet Moments with God by Lloyd John Ogilvie
• Saving Grace by Jack Miller
• God’s Wisdom for Navigating Life by Tim Keller
• New Morning Mercies by Paul Tripp

(1) New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp, December 30

(2) Streams in the Desert by L.B. Cowman, June 19

(3) Everyday Prayers by Scotty Smith, August 19 and November 4