God of Hope

The God of hope.”—Romans 15:13

“Ye were without Christ … having no hope.”—Ephesians 2:12

So often I go through the circumstances of life without hope. It’s as if the cynicism of my youth still has its grip on certain areas of my life that I have a difficult time trusting God in. Once I feel that cynicism settle in, my view becomes pessimistic and doubting.

The end result becomes despondency and discouragement, something the old man of my past, the one who lived according to the world’s philosophies, knows intimately. Then, the new man, the one who is of Christ’s workmanship, created in Him unto good works, pleads with the Lord and His Holy Spirit to save me from the sinfulness of my lack of trust.

It is when I trust God that I can begin to feel His hope again.

Hope that He has a plan for my life and the menial and profound circumstances that separate my days.

Hope that because of Him, my life is so much richer, purer, and sweeter than I could have possibly imagined.

Hope in knowing that He is the One Who settles my heart and gives me rest in the day to day.

God, You are so much in our lives and You generously share Your being, Your person, and Your attributes to Your children—hope being just one of them.

Lord, I find myself often in the grips of doubt and unbelief of Your goodness. Thank You for this little reminder that You are the God of hope and that before You, before giving my life to You, I truly was without hope.

Thank You for this beautiful encouragement.

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.”—Ephesians 3:20-21

Stehekin, WA (2010)