The eighth son of Jacob listed in Exodus 1:5 – Dan, and eight means: New Beginnings, Renewal, Resurrection. The ERV translates Psalm 57:9-11 this way: My Lord, I will praise you before all people. I will sing praises about You to every nation. Your faithful love is higher than the highest clouds in the sky! Rise above the heavens, God. Let all the world see Your glory, Your goodness.
When we enter a covenant relationship, vows are exchanged, and afterwards a ring is given to symbolize ever-lasting love. Yes, words are spoken to acknowledge a commitment to respect and honor and support one another through life’s ups and downs. Sadly, as the rate of divorce reflects, human strength, emotion and willpower cannot prevent our vows of love from being broken.
The worst failure to love and honor and respect occurred when in his pridefulness, Lucifer tried to usurp God’s position in the Kingdom of Heaven. Of course he failed, but what he has done with great efficiency is to usurp our position in God’s Kingdom, which has ensured failure to not only love, honor and respect God’s Word but our own and this has definitely enabled evil’s corruption to spread across the earth. The Word of Truth declares: The whole world is a prisoner of sin (Galatians 3:22a). Everything that is done without faith in God, in His Word and in the resurrection power of Holy Spirit is sin (Romans 14:23).
Sin prevents us from loving the Lord our God with all our mind, with all our heart, with our entire being and with all our might (Deuteronomy 6:5 AMP). Praise God, for it is His Word that brings us into an ever deeper and increasing understanding of the love of God and of the patience that comes from Christ Jesus (2 Thessalonians 3:5 TLB).
Love will never fail! God has given us time and opportunity to enter into a covenant relationship with the One Who is the Amen – the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of God’s new creation (Revelation 3:14). Our heavenly Father bestows His Word and Holy Spirit to teach us, to encourage and help us love properly and love well. For Love is patient, Love is kind. Love is not envious or boastful or proud. Love is not rude or self-seeking. Love is not easily angered. Love does not keep a record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil. Love rejoices with the Truth. Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:3-8) because God is Love (1 John 4:16).
I pray you believe and always remember, you are worth much more than you could ever imagine, even with a past you may not be proud of! God doesn’t waste pain, which unfortunately is not a matter of if upset and heartache will occur, but when. What our heavenly Father doesn’t want is for us to accept the option to dwell in misery, bitterness or regret. When given the gift of time, the Lord will delve in our messiness so Good will be experienced because our suffering is not meaningless to Him.
God knows we will encounter difficult and painful situations, but when we rely on Hia goodness and His redemptive power, these experiences can become catalysts for the growth of godly virtue, for the shaping of character and for moving us into a closer more intimate relationship with our heavenly Father, Who gives us everything we need for life and godliness through His Word through Holy Spirit, Who reminds us and prompts us to lean on and depend on Jesus, Who gives us knowledge of our heavenly Father, Who calls us by His own glory and goodness (2 Peter 1:3).
Yes, God is love and He always reveals to the world what love is: Jesus Christ, Who lived to give all glory to His Father, and laid down His life for everyone (1 John 3:16a), for every nation, tribe, language and people on the earth (Revelation 14:6). So we would know in all our distress He too is distressed. In His love and mercy, God your Father and mine, became our Savior and redeemed us. By His Word, Christ Jesus, Who gives Holy Spirit whatever we need to lift our countenance so the power of God’s goodness can be known through experience.
How earthborn, how evident of the strength of pride and our human fragility to reject or deny the divine nature of the Lord, the Messiah, the Anointed One, Who according to the Spirit of Holiness Jesus was openly designated the Son of God in power, in a striking, triumphant and miraculous manner, by His resurrection from the dead (Romans 1:4 AMP).
Jesus shared knowledge of the Father with the world, and after the Author of our salvation was made perfect through suffering (Hebrews 2:10) that cross remains the perfect symbolization of Love, the perfect expression of Truth, the perfect testimonial to the Power God has given us to do His work – believe, honor, respect and obey His Word because It is time for judgment to begin with the family of God and begin with us (1 Peter 4:17).
The pathways of Renewal and Recovery will not always be easy, but take it one day at a time, remembering the happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts!
In the Amplified Bible the first mention of renewal is in Romans 12:2, which instructs us not to be conformed to this world, fashioned and adapted to its superficial customs; instead, we are to be transformed – changed from the inside out – changed by the entire renewal of our mind. When given the opportunity, God’s Word of Truth will make the necessary adjustments within our heart and soul, so we may prove for ourselves what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing that is good and acceptable and perfect in His sight for us.
Do we truly know the love of God when choices being made are not expressing our love for God in the world; instead, our love of and for self-interest. God’s Word comes to us as a Priest to unite us to the Father by a covenant of sacrifice. And those who accept Jesus as Lord of Lord and King of Kings will deny their flesh – a cross daily to be taken up, as we discipline and train ourselves to follow – abide by, adhere to, comply with, defer to, heed… – God’s Message of Love and Truth and Life, Christ Jesus (Luke 9:23). By doing this not only the world, but our families, our friends, our co-workers will know we are Christ’s disciples who are receiving and sharing the love of God.
The Book of Job tells us: If we put sin out of our hand and far away from us and do not let evil dwell in our homes, it is then we can lift-up our face to our heavenly Father without the stain of sin, unashamed; we shall be steadfast and secure; we shall not fear.
Misery shall be forgotten as waters that pass away. Life shall be clearer than the noonday and rise above what this world of vice produces – suffering, trials, trouble, heartache. Though there be darkness, it shall be as the morning. For we shall be secure and feel confident because God’s Word bestows HOPE. We will look about and take our rest in safety (Job 11:14-18). For it is the Lord alone Who makes us dwell in safety (Psalm 4:8).
Hope is like the sun, which, as we journey towards it, casts the shadow of our burden behind us – Samuel Smiles!
Yes, through His Word God reveals to us personally His mission of Renewal and Recovery. Always encouraging us to trust His process, His plan to follow the Way of Righteousness (2 Peter 2:21), for on the pathways of Truth and Life there is no Death (Proverbs 12:28 NKJV).
Our heavenly Father kept His plan secret for centuries and generations past, but it has pleased Him to tell His secret to those who love Him and live for Him: Christ living in our heart is the only hope of sharing His glory (Colossians 1:25 TLB).
Why is hope important?
You may hear people talk about holding onto hope and that can mean different things for each and every person.
The following information was taken from the website Extern: Hope can be a desire for something to happen, a wish for things to change for the better or a particular dream or aspiration. It is important for us to have hope in our lives, important for us to look positively into our future. Hope is a major protective factor in helping us tackle potentially dangerous ideations and intrusive thoughts.
Hope is also a very personal thing, and it is important that you do not measure your goals influenced by others. Your aspirations are personal and important to you.
Hope reduces feelings of helplessness, increases happiness, reduces stress, and improves our quality of life.
Let’s look at both the positive and negative aspects of hope to gain an understanding as to how it impacts a person’s thinking, feelings and behaviors.
HOPELESS HOPEFUL
Thinking Thinking
I can’t cope I need help with this
I don’t see a way out We can get through this
I’m so upset with everything This is a setback we can adjust
Feelings Feelings
Frightened Anxious (normal response)
Worried Determined
Depressed Optimistic
Behavior Behavior
Stay in bed Reach out for help
Have arguments with loved ones Support loved ones
Isolate and withdraw Keep in contact with others
Hopelessness is a feeling that things will not and cannot change and creates a sense that there is no solution to a problem, which can be an increase to the risk of suicide. Whilst hopelessness is not a sole cause of suicide, having hope in our lives can significantly reduce the risk.
Hope is an incredible strength and protective factor in our lives.
There may be times you are challenged with believing there is hope. Try not to be hard on yourself, this is normal.
Tips to help improve your mood:
• Attend local support groups
• Counseling
• Use helplines for support
• Be mindful of what you eat as this can help lift your mood
• Exercise – this doesn’t have to be at the gym – try walking, doing housework faster, or going up and down the stairs. As long as you are realistic about your goals and abilities
• Practice mindfulness – you can download Headspace, Calm
• Practice getting into a routine again
• Stay connected with others
• Helping others can really be a benefit
• Get new skills – keeps the mind active
• Practice breathing – the Headspace and Calm app help you do this
Positive impacts of Hope…
• Gives you a reason to get out of bed every day
• Improves mental well-being
• Benefits your physical body
• Helps with the immune system as it reduces your levels of stress
• Increases self-worth, self-belief and your confidence
• Encourages you to take positive action
• Encourages you to surround yourself with like-minded people
• Reduces sadness and anxiety
• Creates opportunities
Sometimes we need help to see things in a different way, sometimes we need to change parts of our lives, whatever it may be. There is support out there to help you find the strength to believe that Hope is a possibility and it can help us change the way we live.
https://www.extern.org/why-hopeisimportant#:~:text=Hope%20reduces%20feelings%20of%20helplessness,improves%20our%20quality %20of%20life.
Likewise, we find the strength and determination to believe when we have godly knowledge and wisdom for our soul our future is secure, for our hope will be on solid Rock (Prov. 24:14 Message). Happy is the person who has the God of Jacob as their Helper, whose hope is in the Lord their God (Pa. 146:5 TLB), for no one whose hope is the Lord will ever be put to shame (Psalm 25:3).
Our heavenly Father’s eyes are on those who fear, respect, worship, revere and honor the Lord, His Word of Truth. Yes, He keeps an eye on those whose hope is in His unfailing love (Psalm 33:18) for God our Savior gives us Life through His Word, Christ Jesus, Who delivers us from Death! The Lord shows us His ways! He teaches us on His paths! Yes, He guides us in His Truth and teaches us so our hope will remain in Him all day long (Psalm 25:4-5).
For we who have fled to the Lord for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our soul. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal Hope, our High Priest (Heb. 6:18-20 NLT).
Now may the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, by the power of Holy Spirit (Rom. 15:13 ASV) and His Word. This AI Overview states: Hope and Truth are often intertwined, with truth providing a foundation for hope, and hope gives us the strength to face difficult truths, which is essential because Truth is the source of both the clarity and optimism we need in difficult and challenging times.
This may also be of interest, the world uses gray as the color to symbolize aspects of the truth. This AI Overview explains:
- Gray, a blend of black and white represents a middle ground of neutrality, implying impartiality and the ability to view situations without bias or leaning toward one extreme or another.
- In some interpretations gray symbolizes the balanced perspective that comes with age, experience and wisdom allowing for a more nuanced understanding of complex situations.
- The term “gray areas” often refers to situations or issues that are not clear-cut, not “black and white” suggesting truth itself can be complex and multi-faceted not easily categorized, distinguished or recognized.
At one time the supremacy of Truth was as apparent as the waters that covered the earth, that is until an inky blackness of evil – chaos, confusion and disorder – covered its surface, over which the Spirit of God was hovering, waiting to separate the darkness with the dazzling white of righteousness, redemption and holiness that blazes from the Light of the World. Yes, the expanse of the blue sky offers a sense of peace and calmness and serenity, however, it’s God’s Word of Truth that bestows this much needed reality.
The Spirit of Truth says, “Wait and listen, everyone who is thirsty? Come to the waters! Everyone, even those who have no money, come with faith, buy and eat! Yes, come, buy priceless, spiritual wine and milk without money, without price simply for the self-surrender that accepts the blessings God bestows (Isaiah 55:1).
During this spiritual journey of Renewal and Recovery, Holy Spirit will be using our soul as His canvas to apply the glorious hues of Light that shine forth from our heavenly Father’s Message: Christ the power of God – reds that depict strength and passion, love and war – spiritual warfare; Christ the wisdom of God the blending of blue that encompasses the knowledge and understanding, the insight and prudence (1 Corinthians 1:24) that make it possible for the sons of Light, the sons of Day
(1 Thessalonians 5:5) to discern between Good and Evil, so the deeper things of God’s Word would be better understood through experience.
There is nothing more “black and white” than Good and Evil, however the mixture produces a graying, an opening for the growth of uncertainty, indecision, sadness, anxiety, loneliness… also the development of character deficits and self-destructive behaviors. Yes, in this world the knowledge of Good and Evil will be personally experienced, as will the black and blue bruising to our being – body, soul and spirit.
Praise God, He has not left us alone in the blackness of Deception and Fear and the shadow of Death. Our heavenly Father has given us a Cord of three strands that is not quickly broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12b). He gives of Himself, His “TRUE BLUE” Word and His Spirit, Who will no longer be hovering over waters clouded by doubt and ignorance and disbelief; instead, Holy Spirit will wash our heart, our mind, our spirit with the bluing power of Truth to cancel out the graying effects of evil, and heal the yellowish, purple stains of sin so we can grow in faith and trust, in confidence, in devotion and amity for the indwelling Word of God, Who says, “Do not be seized with alarm or struck with fear or any other evil force, simply believe in Me as able to do this – make you well – body, soul and spirit.
Now, every time I witness a strong person, I want to know: What darkness did you conquer in your story? Mountains do not rise without earthquakes! Katherine MacKennet.
Yes, there will be many trials and tribulations to go through before entering the Kingdom of God (Acts 14:22), since everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted (2 Timothy 3:12). But, praise God, He bestows a double portion (His Word and His Spirit) so He can restore us and make us strong, firm and steadfast (1 Peter 5:10) during this process of Renewal and Recovery. For then, we shall lie down, and none shall make us afraid (Job 11:19a), God’s Word daily sustains us (Psalm 3:5), and many will look to us for help (Job 11:19b TLB). But the wicked will see none of this. They’re headed down a dead-end road with nothing of Good to look forward to – nothing (Job 11:20 Message).
When we delve into God’s Word, Holy Spirit will always point us to Jesus, the Truth, the Door, the Way to receive the Spirit of Revelation and Knowledge. For example, the meaning of the name Dan: Sovereign, to rule, judge, execute judgment, Lord, Master, Owner.
Holy Spirit points us to the Sovereign Lord, Who shows the servants of God His greatness and His strong hand. So, it is known there is no other god in heaven or on earth who can do the deeds and mighty works the Lord does (Deuteronomy 3:24). For the Sovereign Lord is God! His words are trustworthy, and He has promised good things to His servants (2 Samule 7:28).
Yes, our God is a God Who saves; from the Sovereign Lord comes escape from death (Psalm 68:20). He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away tears from all faces; He will remove the disgrace of His people from all the earth (Isaiah 25:8).
The Lord came to save the world, not to judge it. Anyone who rejects the Lord, God’s Message, will be judged by the Truth He has spoken, for this is the only Way to eternal Life (John 12:47-49 NLT). So, who are you to criticize and judge someone else’s servant? To their own master they will stand or fall.
The servants of God will stand. They are accountable to Him. Let God tell them whether they are right or wrong, for He is able to make them do as they should (Romans 14:4 TLB), to show mercy and compassion to one another (Zechariah 7:9). To try and help those who argue against them. They are to be merciful to those who doubt. To save some by snatching them as from the very flames of hell. And as for others, help them to find the Lord by being kind to them. However, we are to do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives, so we aren’t pulled along into their wrong doings (Jude 22-23 TLB).
Lord, stretch out Your hand to heal
And perform miraculous signs and wonders
Through the name of Your holy servant Jesus
Acts 4:29-30
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