The journey of life is filled with all types of opposition and challenges; curves, bumps and even cliffs to fall from. Yes, many will be painful. Yet in all these things, God renews strength and courage and fills us with hope. Paul experienced his share of it all. He learned to be persuaded of God’s ability to sustain him. The world will try to persuade you otherwise, but God will answer with truth and hope.
“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:37-39).
RELEVANCE
The Psalms are a great source of hope. Let the anointed words of the Psalms speak to your heart and go deep to bring refreshment and hope.
“But I will hope continually,
And will praise You yet more and more.
My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness
And Your salvation all the day,
For I do not know their limits.
I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD;
I will make mention of Your righteousness, of Yours only.”
(Psalm 71:14-16)
“The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy” (Psalms 147:11).
Receive Paul’s prayer; and God’s strength. Let it bring encouragement. “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).
REFLECT AND RELATE
We’ve heard it said; you can see a glass half empty or half full. It’s a matter of perspective. Fear is the opposite of faith and despair is the opposite of hope; also a matter of perspective. Ask God to switch how you view things.
REFERENCES
Psalm 42:1-47:9; 62:1-12; 71:1-24; 119:1-176