We don’t often believe Abba Father when he says he forgives. We don’t often believe He can love us enough to fully restore us to our Garden of Eden glory.

Whether we believe it or not, the substance of God’s love is mercy and grace. He is mercy and grace. He does mercy and grace. He gives mercy and grace. He doesn’t just forgive (mercy). He blesses and bestows favor (grace), enough so that a life completely broken down can be fully rebuilt. It is his response to all repentant, softened hearts.

We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. It’s an unbreakable spiritual lifeline. HEBREWS 6: 18–19 THE MESSAGE

The hope and promise of the restoration of all things has been planted in your heart—whether you are aware of it or not. It is the only hope strong enough, brilliant enough, glorious enough to overcome the heartache of this world.

One morning you will wake, and sunlight will be coming in through the curtains. You will hear the sound of birds singing in the garden; delicious scents of Spring will waft in on the breeze. As you open your eyes you realize your body feels young and whole. No tormenting thoughts will rush in to assault you; you realize that your soul feels young and whole too. As you sit up to look around the bedroom filled with light, you hear the sounds of laughter and running water outside and you will know—it is going to be a wonderful day.

Only this hope can serve as the anchor for your soul. The renewal of all things, including you, is the only hope strong enough, brilliant enough, glorious enough to overcome the heartache of this world.

So chase it now with all of your being.

Take the time to pause here, and dream. When you imagine the first few moments when your life is restored, what are the first three things you will want to do? Who will you want to see?