Moments Etched On My Heart

Barbara L’Italien, Guest Writer

TODAY’S TREASURE

Hope, where would we be without hope?

I love these verses. I am a very visual person, and I can see the anchor dug deep in the ocean floor as I follow the thick, weathered chain up to the water’s surface, only to feel the waves crashing over me and feel the pelting sting of the rain on my face. The sky is dark from the thick clouds, showing no soon stop to the life-threatening storm. Then, I feel the warm touch of my Savior's hand, firm, secure, reaching to the inner fears of my soul. I know His grip will not let up, that He has me strong and steady despite the raging storm around me. My feet are constantly being pushed from under me by the constant slamming of the waves. I can not hold myself up, but I know Jesus has me, forever, and it is in this hope I can breathe deeply, and release my sorrows, worries, fears, hurts, and all that life brings my way to Him.

As a follower of Jesus, I face the same trials and have the same needs as those who do not follow Jesus, but the difference is I have hope!

Sometimes we just need to stop and remember what we know is true when things seem out of our control. Here is a video to encourage you: Jesus Calms the Storm.

This is from the back cover of the 2019 MARKINC annual report:

We often refer to the challenges we face as “storms” in our lives. Times when the waters get rough and it can be difficult to see past the waves in front of us. MARKINC strives to serve as a lighthouse in these storms, which by definition “is a structure (such as a tower) with a powerful light that gives a continuous or intermittent signal to navigators”. The lighthouse symbol can often be broken down into two concepts. The first is the lighthouse itself, which can symbolize salvation and safety, especially in the face of adversity. The second concept is the lighthouse keeper, the person who tends the lighthouse. The keeper of our lighthouse is Jesus! He is our help and hope. All of our resources share the same powerful underlying message that regardless of whether you are currently floating in calm waters or fighting to keep your head above the waves, the light of Jesus is shining bright and we need to fix our gaze on Him.

Hope, the glimmer of light in the deepest darkness that shows us that the path to hope is Jesus!

God is our place of safety. He gives us strength. He is always there to help us in times of trouble.

Psalm 46:1

The LORD will protect you and keep you safe from all dangers. The LORD will protect you now and always wherever you go.

Psalm 121:7-8

Every word of God is pure: He is a shield unto those that put their trust in Him,

Proverbs 30:5

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.

Psalm 62:7

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.

Isaiah 40:31 NIV

Hebrews 6:19-20 are verses I will always treasure as a “moment etched on my heart.”

LIFE-GIVING ENCOURAGEMENT

Click to subscribe to Daily Treasure and each day you will receive this devotional in your email inbox every day. It will include other information about free resources designed to offer help and hope as we journey life together.

Biblical hope is the confident expectation of what God has promised, and its strength is in His faithfulness. Holding Onto Promises Eternal

Do you have the hope that can only be found in Jesus?

Do you need help bridging the gap between helplessness and hopefulness?

MARKINC has free resources for you, visit helpandhopenow.org

Are there other women in your life who could benefit from a daily dose of encouragement? Forward this email so they can click on this link to Subscribe to Daily Treasure to be better equipped to walk by faith on the pathway God has marked out for them.

Sharon W. Betters is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, pastor’s wife, and cofounder of MARKINC Ministries, where she is the Director of Resource Development. Sharon is the author of several books, including Treasures of Encouragement, Treasures in Darkness, and co-author with Susan Hunt of Aging with Grace. She is the co-host of the Help & Hope podcast and writes Daily Treasure, an online devotional.

Contact Sharon with comments or questions at d ailytreasure@markinc.org.

We Have HOPE!