By Marj Jones

“But I will keep on hoping for your help; I will praise you more and more.” —Psalm 71:14

Our relationship with God begins with Faith. Hope grows in our relationship with God. Like a little seed planted in the springtime. It requires attention and care to come to fruition. God gives us the promise of a glorious future shared in His midst. This is something worth hoping and working for.

I don’t have to see the wind to know that it exists. I have confidence the sun will rise in the morning, even if it is a cloudy or rainy day. I know the sun is shining brightly above the storm. It is a Hope like that Faith. It is rock solid. Based not on wishful thinking. It is far superior to that because it is based on the Word of God linked directly to the Holy Spirit.

Name something you can point to to know God is with you.

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” —Romans 5:3-5 (NLT)

I see the street people and often think there but for the grace of God go I. Homeless, helpless, and hopeless. Too often they are ignored, alienated, isolated, and shunned. We all deserve simple requirements to survive. Food, water, shelter, and a little space wherein we can find some comfort and safety. With basic needs met and given a little human dignity Hope can even be found in the streets.

How do you see Gods grace in your life?

“For I know the plans I have for you, said the Lord, They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” —Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)

Living a life filled with prayers can infuse us with courage and hope. When we are most vulnerable it might require a conscious decision to turn to God in prayer. But, He has promised us He has a plan. We turn to Him to get the help and encouragement we need. God does not lie. We make decisions to continue despite the struggles, one day at a time, no matter how hard the circumstances may be.

Ask God to give you insight on one thing you can do to live his plan today with courage.

“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” —Romans 15:13 (NLT)

Even in our darkest hours of despair Hope never stops “singing”. Hope will literally keep us alive. It guides us through times of adversity. It gives us strength and courage to continue through life’s trials and tribulations. When we are surrounded by darkness it becomes easy for Hope to falter. At times it requires searching in the dark for that tiny pinpoint of light that motivates us to carry on.

Pray and ask God “the source of hope” to fill you today.