The home that God enabled us to purchase a couple of years ago is landscaped with beautiful Palm Trees. After moving in, several people told us that one hard winter could possibly take those trees out.

I honestly thought that this could have been "that winter." By this time of the year, my trees are usually starting to boast their beautiful, green branches. However, for the last couple of weeks, they have stood tall with just their brown trunks...with no green in sight.

THEN yesterday... on an unexpectedly COLD day ... I happened to gaze at one of our trees. There - in the center - was a bundle of green leaves starting to stretch out! In my limited gardening experience, I didn't even know what I was looking at or looking for, but I saw HOPE that my tree was still alive!

Today's verse describes the people's reaction when Jesus entered Jerusalem. They grabbed palm branches and rushed out to bless Him. I am sure that many of them didn't quite know Who they were looking at or what they were searching for, but I am confident they encountered HOPE that day!

I challenge you today to search for His hope... even when things look bleak and death seems certain... search for His hope. Even when you don't see full, green leaves of life... search for what's in the core... what's rooted in the center of your heart and soul. Then, BLESS His Holy Name as He pours out His love and peace on you!

Dear Lord, I thank You that my HOPE is found in YOU! Help me to find strength in You even when my circumstances seem hopeless.

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.

Reflection: Is there a situation in which I have accepted hopelessness instead of searching for His hope?