I am not sure if anyone missed Red’s Opening Day as much as I did, other than maybe the Ellis brothers. I really looked forward to going to the game with Chris and my two brothers, BJ and Josh. I miss the sounds of the game, the cheers from the fans, and the singing of the National Anthem. With no sporting events going on right now, we need a new anthem to get us through these difficult, uncertain times.

“I Have This Hope” by Tenth Avenue North

As I walk this great unknown
Questions come and questions go
Was there purpose for the pain
Did I cry these tears in vain
I don’t wanna live in fear
I wanna trust that You are near
Trust Your grace can be seen
In both triumph and tragedy

I have this hope
In the depth of my soul
In the flood or the fire
You’re with me and You won’t let go

But sometimes my faith feels thin
Like the night will never end
Will You catch every tear
Or will You just leave me here
So whatever happens, I will not be afraid
‘Cause You are closer than this breath that I take
You calm the storm when I hear You call my name
I still believe that one day I’ll see Your face

In the flood or the fire
You are with me and You won’t let go
In the flood or the fire
You are with me and You won’t let go

Lamentations 3:21-24

“²¹Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: ²²Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. ²³They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ²⁴I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”

Jeremiah saw one ray of hope in all the sin and sorrow surrounding him. But God had promised future restoration and blessing, and Jeremiah knew that God would keep that promise. We know there is sorrow going on around the world right now. Trusting in God’s faithfulness day by day makes us confident in his great promises for the future. As Christians, we have hope in knowing that God’s unfailing love and steadfast mercy never fail.