How can we continually "hope" in God during challenging times in our lives? Anchoring our hearts in Psalm 71:14 “But as for me, I will always hope and will add to all Your praise.” Why hope matters in hard seasons - Hope is not wishful thinking; it is confident expectation founded on God’s unchanging nature (Hebrews 10:23). - When pressure mounts, hope keeps our gaze on the Lord instead of the problem (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). - Biblical hope produces perseverance, which in turn matures our character (Romans 5:3-5). How to continually hope in God • Remember His past faithfulness ‑ Recount personal “Ebenezers” (1 Samuel 7:12). ‑ Revisit recorded acts of deliverance in Scripture—Red Sea, Jericho, empty tomb. • Rehearse His Word daily ‑ Speak promises aloud (Joshua 1:8). ‑ Memorize verses that anchor the soul, such as Isaiah 26:3-4. • Keep praising—especially when it hurts ‑ Praise shifts the focus from circumstance to Sovereign (Psalm 42:5). ‑ Singing truth plants it deeper in the heart (Colossians 3:16). • Lean on God-given community ‑ Fellow believers stir us to steadfastness (Hebrews 10:24-25). ‑ Shared testimonies refresh tired spirits (Psalm 34:2-3). • Anticipate His future deliverance ‑ Set mind on coming glory that far outweighs present trials (Romans 8:18). ‑ Await the blessed hope—Christ’s return (Titus 2:13). Practical rhythms to nurture hope daily Morning: Read a psalm, note one attribute of God, thank Him for it. Midday: Pause for two minutes, recite Psalm 71:14, offer brief praise. Evening: Journal one sign of God’s goodness seen that day. Promises that fuel unwavering hope - “This I recall to my mind; therefore I have hope: The LORD’s loving devotion never ceases; His compassions never fail.” (Lamentations 3:21-22) - “Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.” (Isaiah 40:31) - “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13) - “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and steadfast.” (Hebrews 6:19) When hope feels weak - Cry out honestly—He invites raw lament (Psalm 62:8). - Recall the cross and resurrection—the ultimate proof God turns despair into victory (1 Peter 1:3-4). - Ask the Spirit for fresh assurance; He testifies that we are children of God (Romans 8:16). Living Psalm 71:14 today Choosing hope is an ongoing act of faith. By continually recalling God’s character, rehearsing His Word, praising through pain, leaning on the body of Christ, and fixing our eyes on eternal promises, we echo the psalmist: “I will always hope and will add to all Your praise.” |
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