Glimmer of Hope
- Lisa Livezey
- 8 hours ago
- 2 min read
[Elijah] said to his servant, “Go up now, look toward the sea.”
He went up and looked, and said, “There is nothing.”
Then he said, “Go again seven times.”
And the seventh time the youth reported, “There is a cloud as small as a man’s hand rising from the sea.”
— I Kings 18:43-44 NAB
The younger brother was sure that something good lay on the horizon. He spoke about it from the heart, wanting his loved ones to share in God's beauty. His sister caught a glimpse and then pointed her husband towards what she was seeing. Together, the three were drawn into the beauty, hope, and joy of the moment — and what the future might hold.
Prayer
Lord, from a dry and desolate place we keep looking for You — for a sign, for a glimmer of hope. Even when we don't see anything, we will keep circling back to look for signs of promise.
Thought
Often it takes the words and proddings of someone nearby to cause us to look beyond the moment and find a glimmer of hope.
Quote
Hope always draws the soul from the beauty which is seen to what is beyond, always kindles the desire for the hidden through what is constantly perceived.
— St. Gregory of Nyssa, On the Soul and the Resurrection (c. 374 AD)
Question
Where might God be inviting me to look again — not with my eyes, but with hope?
PRISM™ Visio Divina: Press play for the meditative music and go through the P.R.I.S.M steps as outlined below. Be blessed.
PRAY to quiet your heart
READ through the devotion
IMMERSE yourself in the picture
SELECT a phrase to repeat
MARK down your divine insight
Blessed by this devotion? Scroll down and click the little heart to make it red.
Thank you for reading Devotions from the Olive Grove!
Such a lovely reflection. Sunday was Rededicate 250 on the Washington DC mall. Many, including leaders in our nation and our President, rededicated our nation back to God and His original purposes for us. There are huge changes and blessings on the horizon. We can see if we look with our spiritual eyes and understanding.
This devotion resonated with me as I watch a loved one wrestle with a decision. I'm asking the Lord for persistence in prayer, to bring someone to point the way, and for a small cloud to appear on the horizon.