After January’s brutal weather, some look to a rodent for hope. Since February 2nd, 1887, people have flocked to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, to find out if the groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, will see his shadow, signaling an additional six weeks of winter. If he doesn’t see a shadow, we can expect an early spring. According to a 2025 report, Phil’s only gotten it right about 30% of the time over the past ten years. So, what kind of hope is that?
***
Blessed are those whose help comes from the God of Jacob,
whose hope is centered in the Eternal their God—
Psalm 146:5 The Voice
***
Hope is willing to leave unanswered questions unanswered
and unknown futures unknown.
Hope makes you see God’s guiding hand
not only in the gentle and pleasant moments
but also in the shadows of disappointment and darkness.
Henri Nouwen
***
Your future with [the Eternal] will be certain,
and you will not have hoped in vain.
Proverbs 23:18 The Voice
***
“Our world today so desperately hungers for hope,
yet uncounted people have almost given up.
There is despair and hopelessness on every hand.
Let us be faithful in proclaiming the hope that is in Jesus.”
Billy Graham
***
Be strong, and live courageously,
all of you who set your hope in the Eternal!
Psalm 31:24 The Voice