Life rarely plays out as we expect that it will. Nothing is ever easy, and we face hardships, disappointments, and frustration in nearly every avenue we navigate. Stress, confusion, and depression often accompany the results of our prearranged plans.
However, the hope we have in God is never disappointing because God pours out His love in our hearts by His Spirit whom He has given to us (Romans 5:5). His mercy enables us to climb out of the dark pit of self-pity, which we dig for our self (1 Peter 1:3-6). If we draw courage from God’s Spirit, and hope in the Lord, He strengthens our heart.
Eventually, we learn from our mistakes, and we meet the sunrise each fresh day with renewed enthusiasm (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). We walk in God’s Spirit rather than making our own plans. Instead of allowing our own thoughts and emotions to force us into their mold (1 Thessalonians 1:3), we follow His peace in our spirit (Colossians 3:15-25; 1 Thessalonians 5:23).
God forgives our past, and does not promise us tomorrow, but if we take the time to discern His presence and to walk in His perfect plans for us, He is with us and in us during every current moment (Hebrews 10:23). His hope sheds light on our path, cheers us along the way, and brightens even the darkest circumstances for us (1 Peter 5:10).
This allows us to help others who experience the same difficulties that we do (Luke 22:32). We share Bible verses with them that helped us along the way, lightened our heart, and encouraged our hope that God has a grand future planned for us (Jeremiah 29:11; Joshua 10:25).
The Lord keeps His eyes on the meek, and He gives us hope in His mercy and grace. We keep a heavenly mindset as we focus on eternity in His service and in His physical presence (Ephesians 1:18; Galatians 6:8). Our life is secure in the salvation provided for us by Jesus Christ, and this gives us our ultimate hope (Colossians 1:27).
Prayer:
Father God, thank You for renewing our strength, allowing us to soar on eagles’ wings, helping us to run the race set before us without growing weary, and to walk in Your Spirit without getting faint (Isaiah 40:31; Romans 8:24-25; Philippians 3:13-14). Remind us that we can accomplish Your will for each moment of our day because You make all things possible when we believe in You (Mark 9:23).
We know that You are our Alpha and Omega – our beginning and end. You started a good work in our soul, and You are faithful to carry it on to completion until the day we see Jesus face-to-face (Philippians 1:6s; Titus 1:2). You never forget us in our time of need, and You are our eternal hope when we are afflicted (Psalm 9:18; Colossians 3:1-2). Thank You for keeping Your eyes on those who honor You with our life and who trust in Your unfailing love (Psalm 33:18-22, 147:11; Proverbs 13:12).
Thoughts for the Day:
As we center our hope in the Lord, we learn that He is trustworthy, and we praise Him continually (Psalm 71:14). We put our hope in His Word, and we wait on Him to direct our paths (Psalm 130:5). This hope fills us with all joy and peace as we trust in Him alone, and it never allows us to be put to shame, because by His Spirit, His love pours over us like a waterfall (Romans 5:5, 15:13).
