Devotional for Hope

The definition of hope is: the confident expectation that someone or something will prevail.

So when we have hope in someone, it's the belief that they can help make that specific thing happen.

We place our hope in so many people—our spouse, kids, family, friends, boss, co-workers, teammates, etc. But often we become disappointed because they aren't able to provide what we are hoping for.

Do you place your hope in God? It can be even harder to handle when we believe He let us down. But we have to remember what He promised us. To love us. To be with us. He did not promise us we wouldn't have pain or suffering. He promised He would be with us when we did.

I can't begin to understand why certain things happen beyond the fact that we live in a broken world. But my hope is that our pain and suffering are only temporary and the Lord I love is with me. He waits for me daily to lean into Him.

It is with confident expectation that God will prevail!  That understanding has brought me through all of my hardships, pain, and discomforts. 

In marriage, hope looks like:

• Believing God can still heal or redeem your story even after years of hurt
• Choosing to speak life-giving words to and about your spouse even when you can’t see change yet
• Praying together with expectation instead of resignation
• Holding on to God’s promises for your family when circumstances scream the opposite
• Remembering that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in your home right now

Take the time to read the below bible scriptures and truly focus on what they are saying to you. Some passages may touch you differently than others. Writing down the verses in your own hand is helpful for some individuals. Possibly looking up the verses in your Bible may be beneficial. I use a NIV bible translation. Or reading them over and over to commit to memory. Whatever method works best for you to experience God’s words and feel closer to Him.

Hebrews 6:19-20

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf.

Psalm 42:5

Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

Psalm 146:5-6

Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them – the Lord, who remains faithful forever.

1 Thessalonians 1:3

We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 1:3

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.

Jeremiah 29:11

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.

Romans 5:5

And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Lamentations 3:21-24

Romans 15:13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Here's a short prayer when you can't find the words:

Father, I’m struggling to hope today. I’ve been disappointed so many times—by people, by circumstances, and even by prayers that feel unanswered. Forgive me for putting my hope in the wrong places. Thank You that You never lie and You never leave. Anchor my soul again in Jesus. Give my spouse and me fresh hope that You are still working, even when we can’t see it yet. Fill us with joy and peace as we trust You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Try one of these today:

• Tell your spouse one specific thing you are still hoping God will do in or for your marriage (even if it feels impossible).
• Read Romans 15:13 out loud together and then pray it over each other by name.
• Put Hebrews 6:19 on your bathroom mirror or phone lock-screen: ‘We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.’

I sincerely pray that these verses meet you where you are today and uplift you to be reminded of the great hope that our Heavenly Father has provided us.

God bless

- Melissa