Leaky Hope… Hello Hump Day readers. This week started out with MLK and a President Inauguration, with millions of people here and around the globe wondering “is America going to make it?” I’ll be right-up-front with my honesty for these next four years “It bothers me, I am not scared but more worried about our democracy, the millions of people on the margins, etc. My heart hurts when money is more important than people. My love for my country feels like it’s been wounded, the Constitution trashed, and inept people in jobs they have no inkling what to do.” That’s my take on it, and I have decided that the best thing I can do is to not sit and whine, but to do something—especially going to God in prayer. When I pray, my ‘leaky hope’ gets fixed and I feel like I’m on the right path again.

Growing up in Wisconsin then to Arizona, there was one interesting man that we knew from both states—Frank Lloyd Wright. He was a pistol—contrary to anyone who pushed against his ideas. Taliesin West was his winter home and desert laboratory in Scottsdale. I have been there many times. I love the stories, and this one fits right into my devotion! Wright built a house for industrialist Hibbard Johnson in 1937. One rainy evening, Johnson was entertaining distinguished guests when the roof began to leak. The water seeped through directly above Johnson himself, dripping steadily onto his head. Annoyed and upset, Johnson immediately called Wright. “Frank–you built this beautiful house for me and we enjoy it very much. But I’ve told you several times that the roof leaks, and right now it’s leaking right on top of my head!” Now one would think that he would be sorry and get right on in fixing the problem. Oh no, not Wright. Instead he replied “Well, Hib, why don’t you just move your chair?”

I chuckle at this, but it reminds me of the times I decided to sulk instead of getting the job done! Wright didn’t feel sorry for his friend, he never did fix it, but his friend did and sent him a hefty bill. Wright refused, Johnson took him to court and lost. The outcome made Johnson a mad and sulking man. Even his wife told him to quit being sorry for himself, after all you knew his ego, yet you wanted a famous man to build our home. The poor guy was in the middle with nowhere to go! It wasn’t long and he sold the house.

We’ve all been caught up in unfavorable circumstances in life. We could share our stories for days, right? But have you had someone who can’t get over a problem, talks your ear off, whining because they got a bum deal, sulking and feeling sorry for themselves? You want to hang up the phone or find some way out of the conversation! I remember my dad would say: “you have to take the initiative so do it and get it done.” I will admit I hated those words, but as I grew older and at least somewhat wiser, I could see what my dad meant.

In Christ, we have the power to experience God’s hope and joy even in those unfavorable situations. David’s words in Psalm 5:2-3, 22 [NLT] we find that power and hope: “O Lord, hear me as I pray; pay attention to my groaning. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for I pray to no one but you… But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy.”

If you feel that life has dealt you an unfair hand and you’re just waiting for things to get better, stop waiting—choose to experience God’s deliverance in times of trouble. Don’t embrace ‘woe is me’ because things will not change and worst of all, your circumstances will begin to hinder the hope and joy you have in Christ who wants us to experience the fullness of his joy and promise of hope. Leaky hope never lasts, so let’s quit whining and hang on to Jesus – his joy lifts us up and his hope is steadfast and true, now and forever! AMEN.