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- Herausgeber: BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC
- Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
- Sprache: Englisch
Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. Psalm 62:5-6 NLT Hope is a powerful weapon against feelings of helplessness, stress, and dissatisfaction. It increases happiness and improves our quality of life by helping us to remain committed to goals and by motivating us to take action. Hope gives us a reason to keep fighting through the tough days, believing that our circumstances will improve. Where we place our hope is critical. If we hope for temporary things, whether we achieve them or not, we are left wanting. But when we hope in what is eternal, our longing is quenched in the stream of God's love. His presence assures us that we are never alone. The sacrifice Jesus made secured our redemption and reconciled us to our very good Father. Our future is certain. Our present circumstances can be endured. We can thrive, knowing that our inheritance is to spend eternity with our amazing Creator. As you read these Scriptures, devotions, and prayers, be encouraged by the hope God gives you. Walk in confidence each day with peace and joy that remain no matter what the circumstance may be. Your eternity is secure! Features: - High-grade faux leather provides durability and exquisite tactile appeal. - Heat debossing on faux leather darkens its color, giving the cover a two-tone appearance and creating indentation which shows off the intricate design and varied texture. - Metallic and matte foil finishing touches are elegantly placed to enhance certain features, capturing attention and adding class for an aesthetic appeal. - High-quality sturdy Smyth-sewn binding stitches book signatures together creating durability and allowing pages to lay flat when open. Decorative head and foot bands are also added to further complement the overall design. - Matte art high quality paper with a smooth satin touch provides long-lasting vivid coloration and durability. - A beautiful satin ribbon marker conveniently keeps your place so you can quickly pick up where you left off.
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BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC.
Savage, Minnesota, USA
Broadstreetpublishing.com
The Power of Hope
© 2024 by BroadStreet Publishing®
9781424567966
9781424567973 (eBook)
Devotional entries composed by Sara Perry.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.
Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™ Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked ESV are taken from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked CSB are taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the New American Standard Bible, Copyright 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.
All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NCV are taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.
All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked TPT are taken from The Passion Translation® of the Holy Bible. Copyright © 2020 by Passion & Fire Ministries, Inc. Used by permission of BroadStreet Publishing®. All rights reserved.
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24 25 26 27 28 29 30 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken.
PSALM 62:5-6 NLT
Contents
Introduction
January
January 1: Active Hope
January 2: Getting Unstuck
January 3: Building Blocks
January 4: New Beginnings
January 5: Stronger Together
January 6: Invigorating Life Within
January 7: Strengthened in Hope
January 8: Inspired to Do Good
January 9: Our Standard of Hope
January 10: The Source
January 11: Confidence Builder
January 12: Reliable Anchor
January 13: Living and Active
January 14: Deposits of Goodness
January 15: Reasons to Rejoice
January 16: Power of Friendship
January 17: Listen for It
January 18: Worthy of Trust
January 19: Alert in Hope
January 20: Steps of Wisdom
January 21: No Comparison
January 22: An Acceptable Time
January 23: Hope in Every Season
January 24: Powerful Prayer
January 25: Overwhelming Peace
January 26: Endless Possibilities
January 27: He Plans It
January 28: A Ready Help
January 29: Promise to Sustain
January 30: Rest Assured
January 31: Delight in What Is
February
February 1: Fixed Attention
February 2: Embodied Hope
February 3: Bright Future
February 4: Hopeful Plans
February 5: The Kingdom Endures
February 6: Faithful in Small Things
February 7: No Need to Despair
February 8: Better than Imagined
February 9: Just Like Him
February 10: What a Day
February 11: Power in Forgiveness
February 12: Call to Action
February 13: Effects of Hope
February 14: Ways of Thinking
February 15: It Matters
February 16: Gracious Hope
February 17: Shared Comfort
February 18: No Condemnation
February 19: Incomparable Glory
February 20: Think About It
February 21: Brilliant Light
February 22: Trust Him
February 23: Merciful Beginnings
February 24: Choose Love
February 25: Actively Content
February 26: Fountain of Hope
February 27: The Pressure Is Off
February 28: A Vision
March
March 1: Encouraging Fruit
March 2: Free from Fear
March 3: Comfort for Anxiety
March 4: Powerful Peace
March 5: Satisfying Portion
March 6: Hopeful Action
March 7: Inspiration and Encouragement
March 8: In the Shadows
March 9: Empowered to Continue
March 10: Various Expressions
March 11: Confident Expectation
March 12: Necessity of Faith
March 13: Fulfilled Hopes
March 14: Priorities
March 15: Continuous Connection
March 16: Testing
March 17: A Help Up
March 18: Keep Moving
March 19: The Kindness of Favor
March 20: Wholehearted Hope
March 21: Resist the Urge
March 22: Walk in the Way of Hope
March 23: Placed with Purpose
March 24: Abundance Is Available
March 25: A Renewed Mind
March 26: Spoken Life
March 27: Ever Expanding
March 28: Draw Near
March 29: Confident Assurance
March 30: Power of Acceptance
March 31: No One Excluded
April
April 1: Set Up for Success
April 2: What You Wish For
April 3: Doing Better
April 4: Humble Heart Posture
April 5: Unseen Connections
April 6: All Accounted For
April 7: Origin and Source
April 8: First Chosen
April 9: Courageous Confidence
April 10: The Greatest Standard
April 11: Meaningful Work
April 12: Doing Good
April 13: It All Counts
April 14: Promise for Renewal
April 15: Everlasting Love
April 16: Faithful Foundation
April 17: Necessary Patience
April 18: Holistic Hope
April 19: Powerfully Good News
April 20: Reason to Celebrate
April 21: Careful Persistence
April 22: Don’t Give Up
April 23: Set the Direction
April 24: Now and Not Yet
April 25: Searching Over
April 26: Clear Directives
April 27: Be Intentional Today
April 28: Active Remembrance
April 29: Start with Purpose
April 30: Invitation to Rest
May
May 1: Keep Reaching
May 2: Blessing of God
May 3: Gracious Favor
May 4: Consistency Is Key
May 5: Rebuilding in Hope
May 6: Undeterred
May 7: Due Diligence
May 8: Stay in the Present
May 9: Rejoice in Hope
May 10: Just Ask
May 11: Source of Wisdom
May 12: Take Your Sabbath
May 13: Wisdom Produces Patience
May 14: Just a Breath
May 15: Searched and Known
May 16: Belief in Action
May 17: Beautiful in Its Time
May 18: Choose Wisdom
May 19: Guard Your Affections
May 20: Living Word
May 21: Mark Out the Path
May 22: Release It
May 23: Higher Power
May 24: A Gentle Approach
May 25: Sweet as Honey
May 26: Selfless Love
May 27: Impossible to Forget
May 28: Real and Ready Help
May 29: Uplifted
May 30: No Matter What
May 31: Every Merciful Moment
June
June 1: Pathways of Life
June 2: Arising in Comfort
June 3: Fullness of Joy
June 4: Light in the Tunnel
June 5: Still Working
June 6: Every Step of the Way
June 7: Taste and See
June 8: It Is Covered
June 9: The Law of Love
June 10: Protection and Strength
June 11: Resist Judgment
June 12: Wait in Hope
June 13: Faith’s Momentum
June 14: Every Reason to Hope
June 15: Eyes Fixed
June 16: Faithful Fulfillment
June 17: Work to Do
June 18: Upside-down Kingdom
June 19: Moved by the Spirit
June 20: Good Works
June 21: Clothed in Kindness
June 22: Ready for Challenges
June 23: Momentary Troubles
June 24: Good of Others
June 25: Process of Transformation
June 26: Beautiful Thoughts
June 27: Hopeful Fixation
June 28: An Open Table
June 29: A Different Way
June 30: Helpful Thoughts
July
July 1: Daring to Be Different
July 2: It’s Not Insignificant
July 3: Shift Your Attention
July 4: A New Path
July 5: Good Shepherd
July 6: Redirected Energy
July 7: Invaluable
July 8: Incredible Peace
July 9: Great Confidence
July 10: As for Me
July 11: Secure in Hope
July 12: Man of His Word
July 13: Power of Encouragement
July 14: Hope for Justice
July 15: Endurance through Hope
July 16: Light in the Darkness
July 17: Lacking Nothing
July 18: Resisting Discouragement
July 19: Consider It
July 20: Importance of Fellowship
July 21: Now to Him
July 22: Delicious Delight
July 23: Choose It
July 24: Nourishing Words
July 25: Dwell in Love
July 26: A Spacious Place
July 27: Unifying Hope
July 28: Wrapped in Goodness
July 29: Expansive Expectations
July 30: Joyful Hope
July 31: Success with the Lord
August
August 1: Secure Wisdom
August 2: Rich Hope
August 3: Daily Direction
August 4: Bold as a Lion
August 5: Peaceful Reliance
August 6: Fully Convinced
August 7: Empowered in Generosity
August 8: Grace to Serve
August 9: Blessed in Giving
August 10: Direct Your Trust
August 11: Pour It Out
August 12: Relentless Love
August 13: Seeds of Faith
August 14: Sustained by Hope
August 15: Don’t Forget
August 16: Resurrection Life
August 17: Pleasant Places
August 18: Hopeful Blessing
August 19: Freedom’s Invitation
August 20: Waiting
August 21: Strong Roots
August 22: Daily Commitment
August 23: Clean Slate
August 24: Worth It
August 25: Transformative Power
August 26: Keep On Keeping On
August 27: Living by Faith
August 28: Living to Please
August 29: Hope for Renewal
August 30: More than Expected
August 31: Gentle and Easy
September
September 1: Greater Trust
September 2: Mercy Matters
September 3: Love in Action
September 4: Steadfast Hope
September 5: Renewed Perspective
September 6: Strength in Weakness
September 7: A Helping Hand
September 8: Infused with Strength
September 9: Trust His Timing
September 10: Hope in Our Homes
September 11: Stay Sensitive
September 12: Life Persists
September 13: Stronghold of Hope
September 14: Still Praising
September 15: Love Never Fails
September 16: Heart Desires
September 17: Inner Confidence
September 18: Born Again
September 19: Power of Belonging
September 20: Eternity in View
September 21: Higher Wavelength
September 22: Promised Protection
September 23: Living Hope
September 24: Keep in Mind
September 25: Liberating Truth
September 26: Use It Well
September 27: Liberated Expectations
September 28: Extravagant Grace
September 29: Stuck in Place
September 30: Safe Place
October
October 1: Real Peace
October 2: Called to Peace
October 3: Wise Instruction
October 4: Eager in Hope
October 5: Live in Hope
October 6: Promise to Return
October 7: Take What You Need
October 8: Promised Fullness
October 9: A Resting Place
October 10: Ask Again
October 11: Until the Very End
October 12: Lavish Love
October 13: Ask Seek Knock
October 14: No Hesitation
October 15: Effective and Powerful
October 16: Living Under Grace
October 17: Never Give Up
October 18: Weightier Matters
October 19: Spark of Faith
October 20: Plenty of Room
October 21: Final Word
October 22: Safe and Secure
October 23: Faithful Guide
October 24: Gracious Answers
October 25: Integrity Matters
October 26: Shadow of Kindness
October 27: In Every Way
October 28: Ultimate Transformation
October 29: Convinced of Goodness
October 30: My Redeemer Lives
October 31: Sweet Pursuit
November
November 1: Evidence for Hope
November 2: Discerning the Season
November 3: Reliable Foundation
November 4: Remember Who He Is
November 5: Thoroughly Equipped
November 6: All Things New
November 7: Wisdom and Power
November 8: Higher Understanding
November 9: Hone Your Skills
November 10: Revelations in Nature
November 11: Living Poetry
November 12: Inspired Thoughts
November 13: Dry Bones
November 14: Deep Understanding
November 15: Prime Example
November 16: Safe Harbors
November 17: Don’t Forget Delight
November 18: Lifetime of Kindness
November 19: Mirror that Delight
November 20: Joyful Strength
November 21: Nurture the Gift
November 22: Enjoy the Fruit
November 23: Eternal Goodness
November 24: Hope of Breakthrough
November 25: Such Wonderful Things
November 26: Blessed to See
November 27: Always Thankful
November 28: Direct Your Attention
November 29: Share What You Have
November 30: Wholehearted Trust
December
December 1: Dependable Shepherd
December 2: Power of Faith
December 3: Christ Our Banner
December 4: Preparation Is Key
December 5: Brilliant Light
December 6: Long-awaited Answers
December 7: Glorify the Lord
December 8: Count the Cost
December 9: Prayer and Praise
December 10: Blessing of Foresight
December 11: Skilled Artisans
December 12: True Life
December 13: Making Room
December 14: Reap What You Sow
December 15: Walk in the Light
December 16: Goodness of God
December 17: Better Together
December 18: In It All
December 19: Lifegiving Faith
December 20: Propagate Hope
December 21: Think On It
December 22: Signs from God
December 23: Overwhelmed by Hope
December 24: God With Us
December 25: Prince of Peace
December 26: Carry On in Hope
December 27: Know Your Reason
December 28: Just Do Your Best
December 29: Cling to Him
December 30: Open Door
December 31: Fresh and New
Introduction
Hope is a powerful weapon against feelings of helplessness, stress, and dissatisfaction. It increases happiness and improves our quality of life by helping us to remain committed to goals and by motivating us to act. Hope gives us a reason to keep fighting through the tough days, believing that our circumstances will improve.
Where we place our hope is critical. If we hope for temporary things, whether we achieve them or not, we are left wanting. But when we hope in what is eternal, our longing is quenched in the stream of God’s love. His presence assures us that we are never alone. The sacrifice Jesus made secured our redemption and reconciled us to our very good Father. Our future is certain. Our present circumstances can be endured. We can thrive, knowing that our inheritance is to spend eternity with our amazing Creator.
Be encouraged and strengthened as you read these Scriptures, devotions, and applications that give practical wisdom for engaging in the power of hope.
January
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
JEREMIAH 29:11 NIV
JANUARY 1
Active Hope
“Is not your fear of God your confidence,
and the integrity of your ways your hope?”
JOB 4:6 ESV
Chances are hope is much more than you imagine it to be. It is not the same as wishful thinking. It involves both optimism and a plan toward a goal. It is specific and active. If you thought hope was the same as optimism, you are not alone. However, the science behind hope reveals that it is much more than that. It helps us set and reach our goals.
When we are motivated by hope, we are able to set a plan in motion to reach it. True hope does not cause us to sit back and accept that our lives are constant and immovable. It propels us and hands us the keys of ownership to move ahead with integrity. It keeps our hearts rooted in confidence in the one who holds all things together. Today, if all you do is reevaluate your understanding of hope, it is a step toward living with more intention.
Think through your life and the areas where hope has moved you ahead toward a goal. What areas of your life need hope today?
JANUARY 2
Getting Unstuck
Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us,
keeping our eyes on Jesus,
the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.
HEBREWS 12:1-2 NASB
The ways of Christ help us move out of old ways into new rhythms of living. The power of Christ’s message, life, and miracles cannot be overstated. He is the way, the truth, and the life. If we need a fresh burst of living hope, looking to Christ is an answer that will not disappoint.
Hope challenges us to grow in new ways, putting into practice new ideas and following new ways of doing things. Jesus challenged both the powerful and the humble of his day by inviting them to do just that. He offered a different perspective of God the Father. When we feel bogged down by the world and the failure of doing things as we have for too long, Christ offers us the wisdom of hope to reorient and direct us on new paths that lead to life. Let’s fix our eyes on him and follow in his footsteps!
Today, read through some of the Sermon on the Mount (found in Matthew 5-7) and put into practice one of Jesus’ teachings.
JANUARY 3
Building Blocks
Encourage each other and build each other up,
just as you are already doing.
1 THESSALONIANS 5:11 NLT
A culture of support is incredibly important within our faith communities. When we know that we can depend on others for encouragement and help when we need it, hope will spring from the soil of our interdependence. God created us for community, one that is lifegiving, transformative, and encouraging. In communities that support and uplift each member, it has been shown that an atmosphere of hope is cultivated.
If you want a practical way to build hope in your own life, or in the lives of those around you, take seriously the advice of Paul in today’s verse. He doesn’t mean that you should say things that are disingenuous. Encouragement can be anything from reassurance to gratitude. It can be as simple as calling attention to a strength you see in someone in the face of a struggle. Whatever form your encouragement takes, be intentional about it.
Look for genuine ways to encourage those in your life today, from coworkers to family to friends. Pay attention to how you feel afterward.
JANUARY 4
New Beginnings
“There is hope for a tree,
When it is cut down, that it will sprout again,
And its shoots will not fail.”
JOB 14:7 NASB
We are never without hope. Not even when our lives are torn apart, or we experience devastating losses. Today’s verse reminds us that even when a tree is cut down, there is hope that it will sprout again. If a torn-down tree can grow new life, so can our lives, even when they are cut down to the stump.
The seeds of life only need the right conditions to grow. Consider how precious jewels are created in the dark under pressure. Pearls are formed violently within clamshells from friction and sand. We may just find that the most beautiful treasures of our lives are formed and revealed in our greatest troubles too. Hope keeps us going and leads us on. If we are living, there is hope for a new start and redemption. We are never too far gone from the restorative power of God—no, never!
Hearing the stories of others who have risen from the ashes of their own lives can encourage you in your time of defeat. Take time to listen or read someone else’s story of hope and let it encourage your heart in regard to your own story.
JANUARY 5
Stronger Together
Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
HEBREWS 10:24-25 NIV
In the company of others, we find encouragement to persevere through hard times. We can support one another when we don’t have it in us to support ourselves. In short, we need each other. Reliance and need are intrinsically human; we were not created to go through life on our own. When we feel isolated from others, whether through our experiences or by physical distance, we may find it harder to hold onto hope.
Hope is a resource for coping during hard times. When we are connected to communities with whom we can share our experiences in a real way, we may find that the significance of being seen and met is enough to propel us in hope. Instead of trying to get by or get out of a funk on our own, the power of being met as we become transparent with others is found in the beauty of connection. It can be the difference between just barely surviving and reorienting in hope toward a better future.
Today, whether in person, or in some other way, talk intentionally about what is going on in your life with someone you trust.
JANUARY 6
Invigorating Life Within
To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles:
which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
COLOSSIANS 1:27 NKJV
When we focus on the good that is already present within our lives, we can more readily grow in hope as we look with peace and confidence toward the future. Though we long for Christ to return, we have the Spirit of God alive within us. He is always accessible as he works in love and power. The hope of glory is present in us.
We are not our own and in the best ways. We are not left alone to our own destructive ways when we submit ourselves to Christ. We have the living power of his love to transform us. He loves us to life, time and time again; as he does, we get to walk with him throughout this life. What a glorious hope we have in him!
As you make choices throughout your day, consider how God feels about them. Invite him into your decision making, no matter how small the choice. Let hope, peace, love, and courage compel you.
JANUARY 7
Strengthened in Hope
We continually recall before God our Father the things you have done because of your faith and the work you have done because of your love. And we thank him that you continue to be strong because of your hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 THESSALONIANS 1:3 NCV
Studies show that hope leads to greater resilience in those who practice it. Resilience is the ability to withstand difficulties as well as recover quickly from them when they do occur. For those who practice hope, they are not simply wishing for better days. They know that they must weather the hard days along with the good, and it does not break them.
In Christ, everyone is invited to yield to him, even those of us who have lost hope. Hope is much more accessible than we may realize, just as Christ is. As soon as we turn to God, we have our Father’s help. The psalms illustrate this over and over again. Even when all seems lost, we can call on God for help. He not only comes to our aid, but he also puts his power behind the small crumbs of our offerings. He turns ashes into beauty, and he won’t ever stop doing that!
Read Psalm 56. Bring verse nine to mind every time you need a reminder of God’s faithfulness to those who call on him.
JANUARY 8
Inspired to Do Good
May the Lord Jesus Christ and our Father God, who loved us and in his wonderful grace gave us eternal comfort and a beautiful hope that cannot fail, encourage your hearts and inspire you with strength to always do and speak what is good and beautiful in his eyes.
2 THESSALONIANS 2:16-17 TPT
Hope is not the only end goal; it is also the path that leads us there. Even when our dreams don’t seem accessible, we should fix our attention on the necessary steps to move toward them. We don’t have to know the exact makeup of our dreams to make significant steps forward. In fact, if we get too caught up in our vision of them, we may become discouraged by the need to adjust our expectations.
Hope inspires us to do what is in front of us. The way we do things is often more important than what we are doing. As long as we are reflecting the values of Christ’s kingdom—his love, joy, peace, patience, and kindness—we walk in the light of his nature. Let’s take our inspiration from who God is and endeavor to be more like him in our interactions with others.
Pick an attribute of God’s character in which you want to grow in more and take steps to be more mindful in practicing and incorporating it into your life today.
JANUARY 9
Our Standard of Hope
To this end we toil and strive,
because we have our hope set on the living God,
who is the Savior of all people,
especially of those who believe.
1 TIMOTHY 4:10 ESV
If we are not intentional about checking in with the Lord about our mindsets, we can set our hopes and expectations of him too low. The living God does not disappoint. He is always overflowing in mercy and kindness, moving in gracious generosity, and bringing life out of decay. Nothing is impossible with God! He is our standard of hope; he can move mountains, breathe life into dry bones, and heal the sick.
As humans, we struggle with a negativity bias; we often use negative information to deliberate on more than positive. We are prone to remembering the occasional bad thing rather than the consistent good. However, the good news is that this is like a muscle; as you train it, you can strengthen and build your association with what is good, lovely, and true. You can improve your relationship with hope. It will be easier to take steps in the freedom of what is going right rather than focusing on what could go wrong.
For every negative thought you become aware of today, note three positive that are also true. As you do, you will train yourself to look for the good.
JANUARY 10
The Source
Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be arrogant or to set their hope on the uncertainty of wealth, but on God, who richly provides us with all things to enjoy.
1 TIMOTHY 6:17 CSB
When we place our hope in things that are bound to change, we set ourselves up for disappointment and discouragement. That is not to say that we can’t enjoy these things. Of course, we can! But putting our hope in the shifting systems and our own accounts of things will disappoint. Markets shift and change, and so will our lives. When we put our hope in the unchanging one, the one who created all things and in whom all things find their being, we will not be disappointed.
We cannot accurately predict the way things will be a year from now, let alone ten years from now. We can, however, join our hearts to the one who does. As we stay humble before him, we can weather the storms that life brings with our hope intact. We can learn from what we go through and allow our understanding to expand. God provides all we need, and he shows us the way to truly enjoy life as we join in fellowship with him throughout it.
At the end of the day, evaluate what made you most excited, what stood out to you, and how you responded to difficulties. Consider how your thoughts reveal your expectations. Ask for his help to put your hope in him and to keep it there.
JANUARY 11
Confidence Builder
Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.
TITUS 3:7 NLT
When we learn to rely on God’s grace instead of solely on our own abilities, we allow our hearts to strengthen in confidence. We don’t have to second guess ourselves constantly when we walk hand-in-hand with our Good Shepherd. He leads us with peace and his persistent help is there whenever we need it. His grace is always more than enough, and it is a free-flowing fountain that we can drink from no matter how many times we come before him.
God offers us the covering and promise of salvation, not because of anything we have done or could do, but because of his overwhelming faithful love he has toward us. As we join our hearts to him, we can be confident that his goodness is present, and it will continue to be even as we go through the dark valleys of this life. There is nowhere we can go to escape his Spirit or evade his love! What more confidence do we need?
Instead of trying to do things perfectly today, practice grace with yourself and others. Let what is here and now be enough and lean on the faithfulness of God to fill in the cracks.
JANUARY 12
Reliable Anchor
This hope we have as an anchor of the soul,
a hope both sure and reliable
and one which enters within the veil.
HEBREWS 6:19 NASB
Hope goes deeper than our circumstances and superficial wishes. It is connected to a richer meaning in life. Hope is intrinsically tied to our beliefs. If we believe that God is who he says he is and will faithfully fulfill every promise he has made, our hope is in him. If we believe that we are only as good as our mood is in any given moment, our hope is less like an anchor and more like a kite that can only soar under specific conditions. When we align our hearts and minds with Christ, we throw the anchor of our hope into the ocean of his love. Regardless of our circumstances, that hope remains strong and true.
We may think of our beliefs as static, but hope is quite active. Our beliefs inform our decisions, which in turn inform our actions. We can grow our hope by taking active steps in faith. Perseverance is a part of this, too. Though motivation may move us to put our hope in Christ, persistence and consistency keep us there.
When you start limiting yourself because you fear an outcome, endeavor to choose the faith and thoughts that align with hope.
JANUARY 13
Living and Active
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
1 PETER 1:3 NIV
In Christ’s resurrected life, we come alive. Every death and devastation is an opportunity for fresh hope because the source of our hope is alive, and he has not stopped moving in miraculous mercy! His redemptive power is as active today as it has ever been. Instead of giving up in the face of overwhelming odds, we can join our hearts and hope to Christ. He is faithful, reliable, and true.
Even in our grief, we have an insurmountable hope. First Thessalonians 4:13 says, “Do not grieve as those who have no hope.” To be clear, it doesn’t say not to grieve! It doesn’t say to not mourn our losses. No, in fact 2 Corinthians 4:8 reminds us that even in our suffering, we are not without hope: “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair.” No matter what we are facing, we keep going; for there is more ahead than we leave behind.
Write a list of reasons to keep going when you may feel like giving up. Put it in an easily accessible place where you can review and edit it whenever necessary.
JANUARY 14
Deposits of Goodness
He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD,
And He will pay back what he has given.
PROVERBS 19:17 NKJV
The Lord is loving, generous, and full of glory. Every good and perfect gift comes from him! When we are generous to the poor, we reflect the nature of our heavenly Father. We don’t have to mitigate generosity when every act is like a deposit in a high yield savings account; we get back more than what we put in!
As we trust God to do what is his to do, we get to partner with him in ways that join his purposes to our actions. Our hope is not in money, and it’s not in the systems of this world. It is in the character of God who is faithful in mercy and overwhelmingly gracious in goodness. Let’s dare to lift our hopes beyond our own little lives while reflecting our beliefs in the ways we choose to live. Generosity is one of the most practical ways to express hope in something outside of ourselves.
When presented with the opportunity, help someone today. Whether it’s someone on the side of the road or a mom in the grocery store, be generous and kind.
JANUARY 15
Reasons to Rejoice
This is the day that the LORD has made.
Let us rejoice and be glad today!
PSALM 118:24 NCV
Every day has within it possibilities for praise. As we look for reasons to be grateful, to rejoice, and to let go of our worries, we join our hearts to the glimmers of hope we find embedded in our lives right now. That awareness serves as a reminder to us to delight and take courage in every one of our experiences. They strengthen our hearts in a confident expectation of the goodness of God. What beauty there is to uncover in even the most ordinary day!
Studies show that our outlooks affect how we will move through our experiences and even how we perceive them. If we carry hope and high expectations for goodness, we will be met with those. If we expect to be disappointed, we will be met with the underlying despair that we carry within us. Our mindsets are so important! We can grow in hope by looking for the glimmers that are already present. The more we attune to them, the more we will notice them! Like a muscle growing stronger, our attention will be directed to the beauty around us.
Take note of every good and beautiful thing you find today, no matter how small. Do this for a week and see if it has made a difference in your outlook.
JANUARY 16
Power of Friendship
Some friendships don’t last for long,
but there is one loving friend who is joined to your heart
closer than any other!
PROVERBS 18:24 TPT
There is evidence that friendship groups significantly affect our psychological and social wellbeing. Social support is important to our emotional and mental health. It is also important for our ability to hope. Hope, as we know already, is an active force which motivates us and clarifies practical steps for us to move toward a goal. When our friends have high levels of hope, it can encourage us on our own. When we go through inevitable dips, the support of friends can help us to persevere.
Good friends truly are a gift from God. Their loving support and honest feedback can keep us from getting too focused on our internal critiques. Being involved in others’ lives help us keep a broader perspective as well as enjoy the multiple benefits of physical and social support. It is so important, too, to remember that God is a friend; he knows what others can only surmise. We can trust him to relate to us as someone who loves us thoroughly. His friendship is the firmest foundation of hope that we have.
Reach out to a couple of close friends today and let them know how grateful you are for their friendship.
JANUARY 17
Listen for It
“Give ear, and hear my voice;
give attention, and hear my speech.”
ISAIAH 28:23 ESV
God’s Word is full of reasons to hope. It gives a view into who God is. His nature is woven throughout the Scriptures. As we learn to listen to the Spirit’s voice in our lives, we find that it is this very character that shines through all of what he says. The Spirit’s fruit is the evidence of his work in our lives. As we not only listen to but also apply what the Lord says, we find ourselves on the true path of hope.
Everything God does is with purpose. He uses even what others intend for evil to sow goodness into the lives of those who love him. It’s important to recognize his redemption and to know his character. Not everything that happens in life is his will, but he can use everything in his merciful power to bring redemption, restoration, and revival. Let’s trust him in hope to do this for us!
Make a list of the attributes of God revealed in Scripture. Meditate on who he is and celebrate when you see his nature in the world around you.
JANUARY 18
Worthy of Trust
The one who understands a matter finds success,
and the one who trusts in the LORD will be happy.
PROVERBS 16:20 CSB
Trust and hope are deeply connected. The greater the trust we have in someone, the lower our inhibitions, the greater our security, and the more intimately we connect with them. When we feel secure in our relationships, we have no reason to pretend to be anyone other than who we are. We can be open and honest, knowing that even disagreements aren’t a threat to our sense of belonging to each other.
More than any other, God is worthy of our trust. He does not misunderstand, mistreat, or manipulate us. He is impartial, true, loving, and understanding. What a beautiful friend he is! As we build trust with the one who never breaks it, our hope grows to meet the expanse of his trustworthiness. There is no end to the possibility of growing in hope, for God is ever expanding in faith!
Focus on the relationships you have with those you really trust today and be specific about what you are grateful for in them.
JANUARY 19
Alert in Hope
Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith.
Be courageous. Be strong.
1 CORINTHIANS 16:13 NLT
Hope does not deny reality. It does not overlook the challenges in life; hope knows that the rough spots are not the full scope of the story. Anyone who plans for the future and does not make allowances for changes along the way, runs the risk of despairing at the first bump in the road. Making room for the unexpected, allows us to evaluate the next best step when an interruption occurs along the way. Hope faces reality with optimism and a plan.
Courage and strength are hallmarks of a hopeful person. They don’t give up easily; throughout life, they can do hard things alongside the delightful things. Hopeful people believe in something greater than themselves. They draw courage from the examples of others; they are willing to be humble themselves, so they are prepared to pivot when something that once worked no longer does. They understand that the journey is as important as the destination. They stand firm in what truly matters and learn to let go of what doesn’t. To hope is to build bravery and strength while walking through the twists and turns of this life.
Before you go about your day, decide what is most important to you today. Set an intention and let it guide your choices.
JANUARY 20
Steps of Wisdom
Be careful how you walk,
not as unwise people but as wise.
EPHESIANS 5:15 NASB
Being intentional with our lives is a statement of hope. Intention in how we interact with others, move along in this world, and work toward our goals are all reflections of the presence or absence of hope.
When we put our hope in God, walking in his wisdom makes sense. He is trustworthy and true, and so are his ways. He wants the best for us, and he knows better than we do about how to navigate both the pitfalls and the peaks of this world. He is loyal in his love and shepherds us with this wisdom. His gospel is simple, and so are his requirements: to love him and to love others. He doesn’t require anything that he does not offer us himself. There is grace to make the right decisions, strength to humble ourselves, and peace to calm our fears. He really is the source of every good thing, and his wisdom is worth far more than the wealth of this world!
Is there something in your mind, that you must do, which you haven’t acted upon yet? Let today be the day you use wisdom by not delaying any longer. You may find your hope bolstered, as you move ahead.
JANUARY 21
No Comparison
Each one should test their own actions.
Then they can take pride in themselves alone,
without comparing themselves to someone else.
GALATIANS 6:4 NIV
Instead of focusing on the victories or the faults of others, what if we turned our attention to what it is ours to do instead? When we seek to control others, we lose sight of our own responsibilities and choices. We cannot account for anyone but ourselves. We can offer advice when it is invited; we can support others when they need it. However, the only thing we can actually control is our own actions and reactions.
God is the one to whom we ultimately are accountable. He knows us, and he created us with the unique makeup of gifts, talents, and personalities that we have. From that foundation we can grow in grace, humble ourselves in love, and promote peace in our relationships. This is good work. It’s also good work to walk in the liberty of God’s love for us! Let’s focus on what is ours to do and let go of the need to manage or control others.
Take some time to ground yourself in your responsibilities today. What does God require of you? Put your hope in him and walk it out.
JANUARY 22
An Acceptable Time
“In an acceptable time I have heard you,
And in the day of salvation I have helped you.”
Behold, now is the accepted time;
behold, now is the day of salvation.
2 CORINTHIANS 6:2 NKJV
Hope is important when we create goals. It empowers us to break the processes down into steps to ensure we reach completion. Though we can’t just skip the journey to get to the end, we can take actions in consistent ways in our day-today decisions. Consistency is key. Intentionality is important. They go together with hope, producing purpose by motivating us toward the goals we set in the moment.
Today is all we have. We cannot put the energy we have today into some other time. We can only embrace the reality of what is true now and then make plans for the future. It is the dayby-day movements we make that produce a life worth living. Our intentions inform our choices. Our choices build pathways into our futures. There’s no time like the present, so let’s get out of our heads, into our bodies, and do the work that needs to be done.
Make time to either review or set goals that you have for the week, month, or year. Make a plan of execution, breaking down the processes into steps that you can take every day to get closer to the desired end.
JANUARY 23
Hope in Every Season
Do this because we live in an important time. It is now time for you to wake up from your sleep, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.
ROMANS 13:11 NCV
It is important we are aware of whatever season of life we are in. That way we won’t expect to harvest when it’s time to plant. The earth and its seasons are cyclical. So is life! One way to harness hope is to take stock of where we are seasonally and what our responsibilities are in that time. Some seasons require more rest or more space. Others require digging in and getting some hard work done. No matter what the season, hope is present in each one.
Our pace of life does not reflect our hope. We don’t have to busy ourselves to artificially produce fruit. In fact, it is important we stay focused on the purpose that underlies our work. Otherwise, we may find ourselves working in fields where we don’t produce the desirable fruit and we don’t even enjoy the work we are doing. We only have so much energy to give, so let’s be sure we are putting it where it matters.
Look over the last year of your life. Now consider where you want to be a year from now. In the middle of these two, you will be able to assess where you are. What does this season require of you?
JANUARY 24
Powerful Prayer
Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life.
PHILIPPIANS 4:6 TPT
Prayerful meditation can decrease anxiety as well as increase hope. As we offer God our worries, we can leave them there at his feet and receive his peace in our hearts. We don’t just leave our worries with a random person or simply dump them in some nameless space. We give them to the one who tenderly cares for us. He knows how to take care of us, and he promises to do so! We can be confident in his loyal love and faithful help. His help may not always take the form we prefer, but it is always there.
The practice of prayer can greatly increase our hope both in God and our futures. We shouldn’t think that any detail is insignificant to him. He wants us to pour out our hearts to him and to tell him about every detail of our lives. He is good, faithful, and with us through it all. He will never leave us nor forsake us!
No matter how long or short it’s been, take time to pray today. Pour out every detail of your life. He loves to know you and for you to know and trust him!
JANUARY 25
Overwhelming Peace
God’s wonderful peace that transcends human
understanding, will guard your heart and
mind through Jesus Christ.
PHILIPPIANS 4:7 TPT
The result of giving God all our worries and leaving them with him is this: God’s wonderful peace will be in and through us. As we let him in on every detail of our lives, we no longer carry the burden of them by ourselves. Hope uplifts our hearts and spirits as we place our trust in him. Know that he will guide and care for us with every detail. He is so very good to us!
Hope is creative. It can help us get unstuck. Creativity doesn’t have to be found in chaos. It can be found even more readily in times of stability! Science shows that boredom can lead to innovation. Times without a lot of activity can lead to creative solutions and artful problem solving. We need the space that peace brings to truly experience the creative benefits of hope. They can propel us in exciting new ways, even if that entails seeing problems from a new angle.
Instead of filling every moment with stimulation today, set aside at least thirty minutes for quietude—no phone and no music. Let your mind wander. Move your body if it helps. Simply give yourself that free time to experience peace and incorporate it into your life. The benefits may astound you!
JANUARY 26
Endless Possibilities
“With man this is impossible,
but with God all things are possible.”
MATTHEW 19:26 ESV
God is not limited by the things that limit us. Thankfully, he is also not bound by the limitations we place on him. Instead of trying to understand God on our terms, what if we let our imaginations grow to expand every revelation of him? As we embrace the mystery of God and fully realize that he is larger than life and more glorious than we can grasp, we can then imagine a greater God than we currently know. This can help us to grow in faith and hope.
For every problem we have, there is a solution that God’s wisdom provides. For every challenge, there is a way through. The one who created all things knows the answers to the questions that we don’t even know to ask. This should encourage us in hope and propel us in seeking the Lord with passion. He is accessible, and his power is ready to move in our lives as we lean on him. Even when we experience failure, God has more possibilities for goodness as we follow him!
When you don’t know what to do today, ask God for his perspective and his wisdom. Trust that he will help you, and act on his leading.
JANUARY 27
He Plans It
“You planned evil against me;
God planned it for good to bring about the
present result—the survival of many people.”
GENESIS 50:20 CSB
God will not let anything be wasted, not the smallest or the greatest trials in our lives. His mercy sows seeds of hope and his redemptive rain waters them. His grace nourishes the soil and increases the health of the fruit that it bears. We can truly trust him through every hardship. He does not leave us, and he is not finished with us!
If we can imagine the goodness that God has for us, we would never waver in our trust of him. His intentions toward us are full of love: What if we truly believed that? There are ways we can cultivate hope; one of those ways is to listen to words that inspire us to grow and change. Whether it is a sermon, a worship song, or the testimony of someone who walked through hell and came out on the other side, whatever inspires and challenges us is good for our souls and for our hope!
