You’ve heard it said, “Where there’s life, there’s hope.” That isn’t necessarily true. Where there’s life there’s the potential for hope; but sadly, we live in a society that is becoming more and more hopeless. As culture has edged God out at every opportunity, people have become more and more depressed, discouraged and hopeless. Without hope life becomes too difficult to bear. Is there a place where you can turn to find hope—hope that can sustain you when life gets rough? The Bible says that God is the source of our hope. One of the names associated with God is Jehovah Shammah—I am always there! There is no place that God is not present. He was, is and always will be. He is there in good times, bad times, good places, evil places; He’s everywhere. He is where you are right now! Knowing you can count on God is the greatest hope a person can have. People will fail you, hurt you, let you down, but God is with you no matter what happens. Wherever you are; God is there!

Scriptures
Jn 14:1-2; Ro 8:28,15:13; 1 Co 15:19; Phil 1:6; 1 Pe 1:3; Ps 32:8, 52:9; Isa 40:31, 41:10, 31, 46:3-5; Je 29:11; La 3:21-23;

Verse
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. (Ro 15:13) And I will hope in your name, for your name is good. (Ps 52:9)

Thought
When you go through life’s difficulties knowing God is present brings hope. Regardless of what happens you are not alone. When you wrap your mind and your heart around that fact and it becomes one of the certainties of life, it brings hope. If you are feeling hopeless, you need more God! Pursue God more! You can take the next step knowing that God is with you, watching over you and caring for you. Also remember that God is working in you, no matter what is happening. God has a purpose. God is doing something good even if a situation is bad. When you don’t feel it, when it makes no sense, when you can’t understand why, God is working. God has a plan. We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. (Ro 8:28) You understand more about God’s plan for your life as you spend more time in God’s word, praying and talking to Him. We must hold onto the fact that our ultimate hope is in heaven. Hope is more than this life, far more. In John 14:1-2, Jesus says he’s preparing a place for us in his Father’s house. Our earthly life is just the beginning. We have eternal hope that rests in Christ’s promise of a place with no fear, no pain, no problems, no sorrow—heaven! In Jesus Christ we have every reason to “hope.” God is more than we need, more than we can imagine. The more we get to know him, the more peace, joy, satisfaction, and hope we experience. You can have more…if you want it!

Questions
Where is your hope level on a scale of 1 to 10? Why? When has your hope-o-meter been at its lowest level and why? When has your hope been at its highest and why? How do you maintain hope on a consistent basis? Where does your hope rest? Do you think hope and security are connected? Explain. Discuss Emily Dickenson’s poetic words, “Hope is a thing with feathers, that perches in the soul, and sings the tune without the words and never stops at all.” How can we relate these words to God’s presence in our lives?

Response
Grow your hope by getting closer to God. Get to know Him more so that you are not shaken by life’s trial and tribulations. Maintain a personal time for devotions and prayer. Be quiet and listen to God.

Prayer
Dear God, you are my hope! Thank you for being present in my life in every circumstance and situation. I trust your plan. Thank you for always working for my good. I want more of you in my life. Guide me step-by-step and day-by-day as I strive to grow closer to you. Thank you for your unending love and faithfulness and for your mercies that never fail. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.