Let Hope Arise

Are you going through a time of trial or testing? Take heart! Trials produce perseverance, and perseverance produces victory. Instead of giving up hope, realize that you’re on the brink of a breakthrough!

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5:3-5 NKJV)

We don’t want to be like the Israelites when they first reached the edge of the Promised Land. They were too afraid to enter because they heard reports about giants in the land — and so they had to wander aimlessly in the wilderness for 40 years — all because they lost their hope in God.

As Hebrews 6:19 tells us:

This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast.

It is our hope in God, His provision for our salvation through Jesus Christ, the hope of our eternal home in heaven, and the power of His promises found in His Word that keep us full of faith and firmly rooted in His love.

Of course, sin can cause us to lose hope. So, we must be sure to repent and take our sins and shortcomings to the cross, where we receive forgiveness and mercy. Then we need to be single-minded in believing God, receive His forgiveness, and return to rejoicing in hope.

Romans 15:4 reminds us:

For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.

When you are feeling cast down, remember the words of the psalmist:

Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance. (Psalm 42:5)

Set your thoughts on the hope you have in God and let His Word comfort you. Soon you’ll be praising Him, firmly anchored in His love and care. God bless you.

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Scripture is quoted from the Holy Bible, New King James Version, copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.