On cold, gray, overcast days of Midwest winters, it takes an intentional effort for me to wake up with a sunny disposition. My flesh would rather hibernate on those days. Then we are blessed with an occasional clear, crisp, cold, but sunshiny day that breaks the tiresome repetition. On such a morning, I woke, and the first thought through my mind was, “Hope is arising!” like the sun that was seeping through my windows.
That thought along with scripture meditations inspired this Tanka. A Tanka is an unrhymed Japanese form of poetry. I find it interesting, in ancient times, these lyrical poems were chanted. According to Wikipedia, it was common for lovers to exchange these rather than letters in prose.
Poetry like my disposition takes intentionality but each offers rewarding results.
Hope is Arising
Hope is arising
shining like the morning sun
Love’s epic battle
unleashes truth and freedom
discharging prisoner me.
Scripture Meditations:
“Because of the Lord’s faithful love we do not perish, for his mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness!” (Lamentations 3:22-23, CSB).
“When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, ‘It is finished.’ Then bowing his head, he gave up his spirit” (John 19:30, CSB).
“The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him, and unrolling the scroll, he found the place where it was written: The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. He then rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. And the eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fixed on him. He began by saying to them, ‘Today as you listen, this Scripture has been fulfilled’ ” (Luke 4:17-21, CSB).
Bold emphasis added.
Author Bio
I am a follower of Jesus Christ, grandmother, great-grandmother, foster care parent, and trauma survivor. I enjoy sipping tea, writing devotionals, prayers, short stories, and unburdening my heart to the Lord. Check the About page if you want to read more of my story.
Would you like to know more about the afterlife and how you can be assured of eternity in Heaven? Check the Questions page.
Check the Free Gifts page for downloadable/printable study guides and resources.
Copyright © 2020-2023 Musings of Manette Kay™ All rights reserved. Requests to the author and publisher, Manette Kay, for permission.
Photo by David Mao on Unsplash.
musingsofmanettekay.com 
I enjoyed your thought and the poem, Manette Kay. I like to write Haiku but hadn’t heard of a Tanka before. Blessings!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This was new to me too. Poetry in any form is something I try occasionally to experiment and stretch my brain and writing. The numerical structures intrigue me. Haiku is more common style but for me a bit too short. Tanka is five lines with 5-7-5-7-7 syllables per line pattern.
Glad you enjoyed it, David. May you enjoy His freedom and new mercies today.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Manette, this is so appropriate to read today. The sun is brilliantly shining this morning, here in southeastern lower Michigan. But the storm is coming with rain, ice, and possibly up to 16 inches of snow. Yet “Hope is Arising”. I may be a prisoner in my house for 2 or 3 days, but never without hope and joy of the sun’s return and the joy of the Lord. Thank you for this blessing today.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m grateful the timing helped this resonate with you. Cling to the hope of Christ in all situations. God bless you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A very nice Tanka Manette.
We have the powerful winds and flurries today. Dismal beauty.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gary, I wrote this several weeks ago. I’ve been trying to write and schedule my posts ahead. Being prudent of stewarding my time rather than the last minute all-nighters. Regarding external weather, today is a similar day here the sun is shining. Regardless of external weather it’s nice to remember what God was telling me. . . Hope is always arising when we put our confidence in Him and His finished work.
I’m glad you find beauty even in the dismal. Blessings!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That makes sense Manette. You are an organized person. I fit the category of “spontaneous by default”
My wife: We should plan our year. Me: how about we figure it out as we go??
But, looking for the beauty in the dismal and gloom of things has some merit. It’s a choice what we look for and see.
It’s complex. The beauty of a murderous cross is found in God’s pre-planning and Jesus “Who for the joy set before him endured the cross…” and for us the end result on our behalf. Freedom. Abundant life. Eternal Glory.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Gary, I laughed out loud reading, “You are an organized person.”
By default, I’m somewhere between organized and chaos happens. I tell myself, “roll with it” while striving for the organization. Unfortunately, my own compulsions either interfere with order or take orderliness to a most ridiculous level. The writing ahead just began after nearly two years of doing crunch time all-nighters. It feels good to have the post completed ahead of time. But I still find I’m doing all-nighters when spontaneous “inspiration” strikes and I can’t make myself set a project aside to finish another day.
Me: Sounds good to plan the year… Me: How can I plan the year? I don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow!
Prayer:
Lord, have mercy on me and use my humble offerings how ever they come about.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s funny, kind of. Now I don’t feel so different
LikeLiked by 1 person
Manette, this Tanka is perfectly suited for my day. A storm system has kept us covered with clouds and rain for these last few days. What a joy it was to wake up to see the colorful sunrise and to enjoy the kiss of the sun as I walked the dogs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The extreme contrasts give us cause to be grateful. If we never experienced gray, cold, dark days it’s possible we would take the sunshine and warmth for granted with little or no appreciation to our Magnificent Maker. I’m glad the timing gave added a touch for you. May the Lord make His face shine on you today, Beth.
LikeLiked by 1 person