For When A Promise is Renewed (Word of The Week)
18August 24, 2014 by Beth Hess
The echoes of a promise bounce off the canyon walls. It’s a whisper at first. The heart had almost forgotten.
Because I am so very nearsighted.
So when the hoped for result did not come quickly, I thought I had misunderstood.
Until I heard it again. Almost a decade later. Rising slowly from deep within my spirit. Filtered this time through a different season of life and accompanied with a more intimate knowledge of my Jesus.
I sit in the canyon and watch the sun rise. A new day. A fresh start. The same promise.
That God is doing something I cannot see, if only I will trust.
The whisper becomes a rhythm. A building drumbeat of promise growing both louder and more tangible.
And while the end is still not certain, the hope has been reborn. And I pray I will not stop the watching this time. Because one day the fog will dissipate, and my visibility will improve, and I will see in full the multitude of ways He has been keeping His word all along.
No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human mind has conceived—the things God has prepared for those who love him. (1 Corinthians 2:9)
My life is a light for your cause
My will laid aside for your call
And reserved are the depths of my heart
Only for You
I’m caught in the rhythms of grace
They overcome all of my ways
Realigning each step that we take
To live for Your glory
[Chorus:]
There’s none beside You God
There’s none beside You God
You’re there in dark of the night
While holding the sun and its light
Through the triumph and trials alike
There’s no one beside You
Your voice calls the stars by their name
Cause you whispered them all to their place
To testify of Your wonder and praise
Both now and forever
[Bridge:]
I live my life to shine Your light
‘Cause there is none beside You God
No eye has seen
No ear has heard
The depths of Your love Lord
No mind can fathom
The love You deserve
How great You are
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I return each Sabbath for a fresh Word of the Week. For the God-breathed pages to come alive in a phrase or two on which to spend a 7-day feast. To meditate upon. To use as a jumping off point for whatever other words God would have me hear during the week. I would love for you to join the Word of the Week (WOW) discussion by adding your selected verse to the comments … or reflections on any scripture reading.
Linking with Unforced Rhythms — a wonderful community of writers who gather each Monday to share with you HERE.
Just Be Beth 
[…] “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” He had told them to Watch and See. The very same promise He gave me a decade ago. The same promise He restored to me just weeks […]
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[…] I misheard His promise that He had heard my prayers? That His Spirit was blowing a fresh wind of change? That my calling […]
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Sigh. Yes. Hope reborn. I resonate with your words, friend: “And while the end is still not certain, the hope has been reborn.” Our hearts, writing about very different things, I’m sure, were thinking in the same vein this week. I am grateful, with you, for this hope resurfacing, rebirthing, in this new decade for you – for the maturing faith that is learning to cling even when the end (no, especially when the end) is uncertain.
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I have to believe that the pieces are being placed. I just can’t see it yet. It’s the only thing that keeps me keeping on. I know you feel the same, and it’s nice to have you on the journey.
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Nearsighted! Why is it we cannot see what is right in front of our noses? Because we are focusing on the BIGGER picture — what’s coming down the road next, which project to start, how bad the week may be at work, how messy the kids are and maybe the husband too. Yes, I too am guilty of being nearsighted and unfocused on His Words for me. Thanks for reminding me to look and listen for what is close by and important.
A verse I love to keep in my mind and heart constantly is Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
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Yes, Sherrey. Jeremiah 29:11 is a great partner in hope with 1 Corinthians 2:9. He is a giver of very good gifts.
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Hi Beth! It’s so reassuring to read that I am not the only one guilty of short-sightedness. I want what I want right now, but I am certainly not in charge of timing. That is all in God’s care, and I should rest in the loving arms and feel safe. Not anxious, not nervous.
I really connect to the rhythms you write about. How fun that I am coming over from Unforced Rhythms!
Have a blessed week,
Ceil
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Patience is certainly one of the Fruits of the Spirit that is still struggling in development in me. Thanks for letting me know I’m not alone.
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Because I’m so very nearsighted…those words strike a chord. Living in what is near while watching and waiting for what God will do down the road is a daily lesson in faith. Thanks for sharing with us today.
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So glad you came by, Natalie!
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And love that song!
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It gets me every time!
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I was mad at God this weekend, Beth. But His promise was renewed in many ways through others. Mainly through the power of prayer. I know I need to keep on trusting Him even when I don’t understand. I needed to be reminded of His promise in 1 Corinthians 2:9. Thank you. Much love to you. xoxo
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I’ve had a day of not understanding, too, Beth. Less than 24 hours removed from this writing, and I’m being test to make sure I mean. Please, please, Jesus, help me mean it! Because you’re right. Prayer is the only logical response in moments like these.
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I needed this gentle reminder tonight. If things don’t progress as quickly as I think they should, I am so quick to do as you said…just automatically assume that I misunderstood God’s words to me. I am reminded of Joseph. He dreamed those dreams at age 17…a young, somewhat arrogant teenager who seemed to relish the thought of rubbing the dreams in his brothers’ faces. Fast forward 22 years to a much more mature, refined, dross-free, humble man who actually wept as he watched those young dreams unfold. Sometimes, when God makes a promise to us, it is to give us hope as we walk through the painful process of becoming capable of handling that promise. I have to remind myself of this as I feel a restless stirring, yet, I know not what God is doing or when the fulfillment of my personal promise will come to pass. Thank you for this timely word, Beth. It was just what I needed. 🙂
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Joseph is such a perfect example of this, Cheryl. Thanks for adding that to the conversation here. I love that God has used this to speak into your spirit as well. Together we can hold each other up as we hold out for the fulfillment of His promises.
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What a great reminder this is…Thank you for reminding me what it’s like to sit in a canyon.
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I’m always blessed when you are here, Katie. Thanks for sitting in the canyon with me for a bit.
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