Week 1: Hope
Good afternoon! During this season of Advent our office will continue our tradition of sending you a devotional written by a member of our community. Our devotional today comes to us from the one and only Sue McClellan. Undoubtedly many of you know Sue – her great work is vastly known in the TCU community, and that great work was recognized this past August when she received the Chancellor’s Staff Award for Outstanding Service. Sue is not only a valued colleague, but a trusted friend as well. As I think about the people in my life who offer me hope, I quickly and easily think of Sue. And so, I asked Sue to write our first devotional for this Advent season, and per usual her words did not disappoint. May they be a good companion for you as you enter into this special season.
Romans 15:13
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
IN SEARCH OF HOPE
Hope – where do I find it? I have searched all the online ads, Black Friday ads, Cyber Monday sales, and traveled to different stores in anticipation of finding hope. I found a lot of superficial things. I found clothes I would love to wear, jewelry I would love to own and even a new car I would love to drive. But I couldn’t find hope at any of those places. I thought for sure in a world that provides instant gratification, I could access hope just as easily.
The beauty of looking for hope is that it comes from a totally different place. It cannot be bought or sold but the feeling is priceless and one that feeds our soul.
The reality is that hope is all around you. You just have to change the lens you are looking through. It is in that trusted friend that you share your deepest wounds, it is morning sunshine after a dark and lonely night and it is the wonder of God’s creation that surrounds us all.
When searching for hope, sometimes I bow my head and pray and sometimes I look to the sky and plead for answers. Other times, I remain silent and try to listen to what God is telling me. However you look for hope, in this season and all year long, I pray you find it.
Your journey may give someone else the very hope they are looking for.
Let us pray.
Sovereign Lord, show us the way. Amen
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