This Feeling

Underneath the surface
There is a feeling bubbling up
I wonder what it could be.
As the day goes on, 
I can feel it growing
But I still don’t understand what this feeling could be.

Who should I ask
To find out what it is?
How do I explain this sensation?
It is getting stronger each day

But I wonder,
Has it anything to do with
My emerging from a difficult time.
Suddenly the future looks bright.

My strength has been renewed.
My desire for life has returned.
I think I am getting closer to knowing
What this feeling could be.

If I sit here quietly
And let my mind go still,
I can feel this spark developing,
It is increasing each moment,
The more I pray,
The more I am aware of it.

Maybe it is not just in me,
But from another Source.
Does it come from God?
Perhaps my soul truly knows.

I hear a whisper in my heart
It tells me what I need to know.
This is a gift from God
Delivered by the Holy Spirit
And it flows like a river.
This feeling is Hope.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Romans 15:13 NIV

There are times when it can be hard to understand what emotion we are feeling. Some emotions are strong and easy to recognize, while others are subtle. For me, recognizing hope is hearing the little voice that says, “Try again tomorrow; don’t give up. It’s not over yet.”

Other ways we can experience hope are by receiving unexpected words of encouragement from a friend or a smile from a stranger as we are walking down the street. It is in these small acts of kindness that allow hope to continue to flow. They bring hope that the times ahead of us will be better than the times behind us.

As we know, when our lives are going well, it is easier to have hope. We can see that things will turn out right because we know they have for us in the past. But, when circumstances are going against us, it can be difficult to see how we will make it through the tough times. This is where we rely on faith. By believing and understanding what God does for us, we can have hope. As it says in Isaiah 40:3, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint,” (NIV). God has the power to restore us and give us the strength we need to carry on. He is the hope we long for.

Prayer

Thank you God for the power of the Holy Spirit that fills me with joy and peace each day.  Go with me as I share the power of Your hope with others, so they may come to know you, too. Amen.

Author | Marie Fox