Easter Hope

Grieving; it was the theme of the week. Jesus grieved in the garden of Gethsemane; he  grieved on the cross; Judas was so full of grief he committed suicide; the disciples, the women, indeed all his followers grieved. I believe even Pilate grieved his decision.

A few years ago I purchased the book When Your Friend Is Grieving. My friend’s husband had recently died and I wanted to encourage her. As I read, my eyes were opened; I realized I was grieving—not the death of a spouse—but the death of a hope. I read the book for me. The Easter hope (even though it wasn’t the Easter season) once again came alive in my heart.

Early on the first Easter morning, the women returned to the tomb where Jesus was buried and found it empty! They grieved; but not for long as “two men … in dazzling apparel” appeared to them with an amazing message, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you …” Luke 24:5 and 6. That was my key; I too need to remember.

“Our soul waits for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.

For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name.

Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us, even as we hope in you.”

Psalm 33:20-22

Since the 1960s that Scripture has held a special place in my heart. Still life happens and I forget till I remind myself of its truths once again.

Remember God’s steadfast love for you, Sue. I John 3:1 anchors my hope in this area.

Remember wait on God; not certain circumstances. Jeremiah 29:11 creates hope.

Remember God is my shield. Psalm 23 steadies my heart and provides hope.

Remember to trust. Proverbs 3:5 and 6, two of the first verses I memorized, tell me that my hope is in God and not my own insights.

Remember the tomb is empty!

What keeps hope alive for you?

“He is not here, but has risen.”

Luke 24:6