Hope's Happiness

Ps.144:15Happy are the people who are in such a state; Happy are the people whose God is the Lord! Ps.146:5-6Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help,Whose hope is in the Lord his God,Who made heaven and earth,The sea, and all that is in them;Who keeps truth forever,... Hope reminds us of a debt owed but God's provision paidAnd goads us on to rejoice in this day that He has madeTo be a glad bondservant for the Lord of earth and skyThen, find a kind of happiness no words can quite descry (from My Utmost For His Highest-Oswald Chambers) Hope’s hailing happiness endures, though disappointment-vexedHope cheers us onward and secures the anchor of the SoulBeyond the realm of seasons that roll one into the nextHope draws us to the Reason for its undefeated goalAnd hones a humble foothold in the promises of HeWho helps us where new day unfolds whatever waits to be Hope’s holy happiness delights the heart that trusts in GodIts precious confidence invites, nay, excites us to beA vessel in His hands; the hands that rule sky, sea and sodA vessel heeding His commands with unfeigned fealtyTo love Him with heart-soul-strength-mind, and neighbour as ourselfAs, filled with his Spirit we find the riches of hope’s wealth Hope’s humble happiness reminds us we have all we needAs tick by tock the clock unwinds tethers of dust-to-dustAs we embark once more upon missions of word and deedHope’s sacred summons spurs us on toward the One we trustRousing in us renewed distress for vessels still adriftUnanchored in the happiness of Hope; salvation’s gift © Janet Martin