Life in the Spirit: Groaning and HopingSample

THE PERSON OF HOPE
Although we may understand the incredible hope found in our reconciliation with God through Jesus’ death and resurrection – sometimes it feels really difficult to live hopeful in the everyday. And when it gets hard, we are tempted to turn to other people or things to find or feel that peace and assurance. We can quickly become confused and distracted when we try to fill the gap with anything other than a deepening relationship with the giver of true hope.

During His time on earth, Jesus modeled the importance of seeking help and guidance from the Father. Through prayer and obedience, He received all he needed to fulfill His calling. When he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, He became our source of true hope. Knowing that he would be returning to the Father in heaven, he compelled His followers to seek the Holy Spirit as their personal source of guidance and hope. He assured them that the Father would give the Holy Spirit to any who would ask. He opened the door for believers to communicate freely with the Spirit and receive all that they would need.

The same applies to us today. As we learn to live by the Spirit, if we spend time with Him and align our thoughts and priorities with Him, we will find all the hope we could ever need.

Ask Yourself:

-Where, or to whom, are you tempted to turn for assurance or comfort when everyday life gets discouraging or confusing?

-Why do you think that alternate source is appealing?

-How helpful do you think it really is?

Pause to Pray: Try using Psalm 62:5-8 as a starting point for prayer today.

Take a Next Step: If you have never thought about the Holy Spirit as a person you can interact with, spend a little time in prayer inviting Him to show you His character and then journal about the personality traits that come to mind. For example, has He demonstrated love, faithfulness, or humor?

Find more resources at www.whoisgrace.com/READ.