As I look around me and my life's circumstances, I begin to question where time has gone and why I am not where I thought I'd be by now. Some of the storms feel more intense and dangerous, the waters are raging even more ferociously, the clouds appear to be never-ending, and I am left feeling tired, worn out, and hopeless.

"Father, what is going on? Where are you? What are you doing? Help me understand. Please." These are the words found in my journal and the words I brought to the Lord through the tears and weariness of my voice through prayer.

Hope is a powerful gift from the Lord. When we try to receive it from anywhere or anyone else, it is failing. It leaves us feeling disappointed, tired, frustrated, and hopeless.

As the Lord so faithfully does, He meets us in these words. He meets us in the tears and the fatigue.

He speaks softly and tenderly, reminding us of His truth and promises. He uses the Scripture to show us where to look for our hope. He reminds us of who He is. He encourages the depths of our soul with just a few words. It is His truth that sets us free and meets us in those moments of desperation.

We are not called to understand all that He is doing; He is working even when it doesn't seem like it or feel like it. It is His truth and unchanging character that we MUST cling to when all else screams loudly otherwise.

With that, let's take a look at what His Word says. I do not know where you find yourself today. I don't know what storms you are facing and where you might be feeling hopeless. For all I know, you are feeling incredibly hopeful in every area of your life. Regardless of what you are bringing to the table, I know God's Word never returns void. I know that His Word is alive and active, and I believe He will meet you exactly where you are. I know and believe He will reveal to you the truth your heart needs to be set free and to receive the gift of HOPE that only comes from Him by believing Him.

Be still. Read His Words. Remember who He is. Let Him take you deeper. Let Him awaken and restore hope in your life and heart. Just let your guard down and let Him be God; He will show up.

"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal." -2 Corinthians 4:16-18

"For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him." -Psalm 62:5

 "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful." -Hebrews 10:23

"In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls." -1 Peter 1:6-9

Reflection

What does hope mean to you?

What fears, situations, circumstances, etc., keep you from feeling hopeful?

What does the Bible say about where we can find hope?

Where in your life are you currently feeling hopeless?

If these scriptures are true that we can be hopeful in the midst of difficulty, what are some practical things you can / will do differently to further experience this promised hope?

Worship

https://youtu.be/CjB0mkj0XaM