SUB-THEME: God with Us in Life's Journey

TOPIC: Hope Because He Is Near

TEXTS: Romans 15:13; Hebrews 6:19

“Hope” is defined as “to cherish a desire with expectation” (Merriam-Webster.com).

For children of God, hope is a confident expectation and desire for something good in the future, particularly based on God’s nature and Word. Hope helps one to focus on God’s promises rather than on challenges.

God desires that we abound in hope (Romans 15:13b), for hope is an anchor for the soul (Hebrews 6:19). Hope keeps one spiritually and emotionally stable even in the midst of life’s storms, and it produces endurance, patience, courage and perseverance.

“Hope because He is near.” People often lose hope when they feel alone, forgotten or helpless. A time came in the life of the great prophet Elijah when he felt lonely, threatened and depressed. Elijah even prayed for death until God’s sudden appearance restored strength and hope to him (1 Kings 19:14–19).

Child of God, do you feel like Elijah? No matter what you are going through, remember God’s promise: “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). He is Immanuel — God with us (Matthew 1:23).

Shun negativity, pessimism, dejection and despair. These are tricks of the enemy to keep you sad and lead you into depression. Brace up and visualise a future filled with positive outcomes and desired achievements. God’s nearness means strength in weakness, provision in lack and comfort in pain. Be assured that God remains with you through every circumstance.

Surrender your life to Jesus Christ and trust in His presence. He will secure and sustain you.

Prayer: May you receive grace to anchor your hope in God’s abiding presence. May the Lord strengthen, sustain and preserve you, and bring you into His promised future, in Jesus’ name. Amen.