When we see the artwork of the 19thcenturyEnglishartistWatttitled“hope”, there appears a scene where in the middle of the night within pick black darkness a girl sits solitude playing a harp that only has a single string attached and to make matters worse we learn that she is blind. However, when we take a closer look at the painting, we are able to see that within such a gloomy and hopeless situation, a single stream of light from a star was lighting up the girl and her one remaining harp string. All four directions are blocked but at least the open skies let off a single stream of light. The strings on the harp are broken and a beautiful harmony is impossible to produce but because of one remaining string it is possible to make a sound. Isn’t this the most accurate picture that explains “hope”?  

 

The author of Psalms said “As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.” (Psalms 71:14). Our faith needs to be like this throughout the New Year. To “hope” means “to wish for and anticipate” and becomes the source of courage. When we have hope courage arises from within and only when we have courage that hope sprouts out. Just as it is said in 1 Corinthians 9:10 “Surely he says this for us, doesn’t he? Yes, this was written for us, because whoever plows and threshes should be able to do so in the hope of sharing in the harvest”, the life of a saint must at all times race forth with hope. Whether we are plowing the fields or threshing the crops, any work that is done without “hope” will only bear empty fruit without profit. God will surely be guided to their However, the person whose hope is in desired heaven (Psalms 107:30).

Abraham was a person of such hope therefore wherever he went, he made an altar and worshipped. Each time he worshipped God gave him prophesies and they became the foundation of hope for Abraham. Today, I hope that you will start your day with holy worship and reap the fruits of hope.

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Pray that today we will be able to hold onto the “hope” that God gives us and reach the harbor of hope that each of us desire. Just like the girl in the painting “hope”, when we hold onto the string of hope and race forward looking at the light that God shines upon our lives, let us pray because of the blessings that God gives us that we will live a life that is filled with thanksgiving and praise.