FOLLOW ALONG WITH OUR AUDIO VERSION OF TODAY'S DEVOTIONAL

A HOPEFUL LIFE

READ

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”—Psalm 34:18 (NIV)

REFLECT

Our God is a God of hope—hope for today and for the future. The interesting thing about hope is that this word is misused a lot nowadays. “I hope I get an A.” “I hope my team wins.” “I hope the weather is good!” It’s almost like wishful thinking. That’s not the biblical word. The biblical word for hope is like an anchor for our souls. It’s a certainty; a joyful and confident expectation.

This is what God has given us in Christ—a confident expectation that in Him we have everything to live for and everything we need to live! And if He’s done that for us, why can’t He do it for others?

God has given us hope so we can share it with the people around us, and they can receive it and be filled with it, too! Is there someone in your life that you can encourage? Someone who needs the hope of Jesus? Take time to pray for them and consider reaching out to them today.

PRAY

Lord, I pray for those who are still in bondage the way I was. Thank You for Your forgiveness and for creating a path for me to find freedom in You. I ask You to pave that path for others in my life so they can know You. Please help me share my story with those You want to bring restoration and hope to. Amen.

FOR THE FAMILY

DISCUSS

1. God is close to those who are hurting. Have you felt God close to you during a hard time in your life?
2. How can you be close and loving to those who are hurting around you?

PRAY

Lord, I pray for those who are hurting or far from You. Help me to be there for them and love them. Help them to realize that You’re right there, closer to them than they could ever imagine. Help me to share Your hope with other people by sharing how You were there for me in hard times. I love You Jesus. Amen.