Hope Can Be Found
Romans 15:13, “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”
Salutations good friends! Welcome to another day that has been given to each of us in the hopes that we can do good things for others and ourselves! This world can be so amazing in so many ways! One day it can be beautiful, sunny, breezy, and then the next the rains, winds and thunderstorms cloud out the sun! But, as believers, we are subject to the facts that every day is a gift, that every day therein lies hope of only positive things happening, or that we take the bad things and use them for the good as God sees fit! Hope; can we say that in every day we all have felt this, in every situation or in just that the day has been given and will go on if we just press forward? As we ponder on the meaning of hope, we find it encompasses so much! It is an anchor for the soul, an eternal perspective not temporary, it’s an active trust, a true focus on God’s promises, and sometimes a lamenting to God to share a need during fear, grief or just frustrations of this world. Hope also gives believers an empowerment for endurance because we have given our trust in God, knowing and believing He is our constant provider, and sustainer. As we make time to study His word we gain even more hope in the future, that eternal hope of being in His presence one day in heaven. The biblical perspective shows us “living hope”, the one that is planted then rooted in Jesus’ resurrection; the one that will send peace in troubled times; the one that promises that though this life here will not be easy, we can endure it, with God’s help. When we find true hope, it will be involving finding the character of God, rather than just predicting perfect outcomes, because we are not perfect and the answers may not be our answers, but the hope is God having the ultimate outcome. As you work through today, think on how many times your calling out to God brought hope to you, and then God brought you understanding, and finally it brought peace. Think on today and be thankful that every day is a gift no matter the circumstances and that good things come to those who wait; but most of all believe that hope can be found!
Scriptures:
Read: Jeremiah 29:11, Ephesians 4:22-24, Romans 8:28, II Timothy 1:9, II Corinthians 5:17, Philippians 3:13-14, James 1:2-4, Matthew 16:25, Isaiah 43:18-19, Psalm 139:14, Romans 12:2, Deuteronomy 31:8, Proverbs 3:5-6, Philippians 1:6, II Corinthians 1:20, John 16:33
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for all that you give, that you promise, and for placing hope within our hearts so that we can see you better. Thank you, Father, for your mercy and grace, your never-ending love, your ability to know when we need your presence the most. Remind us when we need to get into your word to see how you provide guidance through all things. Help us, Father, to keep hoping in your coming and the eternal peace we will have when we finally arrive in heaven with you. Amen.