I had a vision in worship recently of a giant, cedar chest that held old clothing and old toys. It was old and dusty, in an area like an attic that had been locked away for ages. In some States in the USA, we’d actually call this kind of chest a “hope chest.” This is how Google defines it:
A hope chest, also called dowry chest, cedar chest, trousseau chest or glory box is a piece of furniture traditionally used to collect items such as clothing and household linen, by unmarried young women in anticipation of married life.
In my vision, this hope chest had been locked and tucked away for a long while, almost completely forgotten. But suddenly, I saw that dust was being blown off the box! I saw in the vision that the lid to the chest was slowly opening, and there were wonderfully unexpected surprises within!
I saw that within the chest – where once there had been old, worn down clothing and toys – everything was shiny and new. The clothing was brightly coloured and designer clothing of the best quality. The toys were new and unused, and there were even party clothes and party favours inside the box!
What I heard from the Holy Spirit was two-fold:
1. He said almost shouting, “HOPE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT!” (Romans 5:5)
2. He said that Hope is yours. The new clothing and new toys belong to you. In fact, everything in that “glory box” is yours, dear Christian…you just simply have to open the box.
I believe that Lord would have people HOPE again. In fact, you have been granted permission to hope again! God wants us to engage with hope - the kind of hope that is outrageous to others who do not understand. The kind of hope that leaves one giddy with expectation. The kind of hope that anticipates the very best, like a young bride waiting for her groom.
Allow yourself to open the lid to that hope chest, friend. It all belongs to you – just take it.
Thank you JESUS for HOPE!