Hope

Hope

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

Jeremiah 29:11

I just received a royalty check from Hope Publishing Company yesterday. The name of the company holds extra meaning to me because of the hope God brought to me during an especially trying time of my life.

My early thirties included some cloudy times of sadness and depression. Without recounting the surrounding events, it’s enough to say that my life seemed to have lost its joy. One day my friend Shirley sent me an encouraging note in the mail, ending with the verse written above.

Several months later I received a phone call from the senior editor of Hope Publishing, saying their company wanted to publish a new series of praise books for student pianists. He asked if I’d be interested in compiling and arranging one book. I was flattered, but my response was, “I’ve never done that before.” The editor replied, “Why don’t you send us two arrangements and let us decide.”

I did my best, sent in the arrangements, and waited. About a month later an envelope came from Hope Publishing. I thought, Here’s my “Thanks but no thanks” letter. I was shocked when I read the letter, which said, “Here’s the contract. Would you please do a whole book?” I still remember sitting down on the couch, having a good cry, and thanking God for blessing me with a huge affirmation of hope. The experience was one of many that reminded me that God really cares about me.

Father,

Thanks for providing bright rays of hope at times when our lives seem overcast with dark clouds. Thank you that you are the God of hope. Amen.