When was the last time tears streamed down your face, your heart ached, and your thoughts were too jumbled to think clearly? When did you know beyond a doubt that this time, for sure, your situation was hopeless?

How many years did it take for you to return to the reality you’ve known for years? To the part of God’s character that has always brought reassurance, warmth and truth? Maybe it only took a few days (perhaps merely a few hours) for you to discover, again, the God of All Hope in the midst of your despair and doubt.

Whether it takes years or only hours, when we grab hold of our Bible, desperate to find the determination to persevere, we rediscover the hope, strength and understanding we’ve come to rely on. Once again, the God of all hope reminds us that He loves us. Where tears of pain, fear and loss once poured down our face, tears of comfort and peace now flow in their place. The more time we spend in God’s Word, the more we come to know personally, through experience, this God of hope – His warmth, His Truth and His faithfulness.

Thursday, May 1, is the National Day of Prayer. This year’s theme is “He is the God of Hope and the reason for our hope!” based on Romans 15:13 (NASB):

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Most of the time, a verse will stand out while reading my Bible. I write these verses on index cards and look at them throughout the day. Romans 15:13 is my new favorite. I love it when one minute I’m struggling with my faith, then, as I spend time thinking and praying a Bible verse, God’s presence unexpectedly shows up.

As Christ-followers, every day we have the opportunity to model Christ and stand firm in the hope we have in Him, even in the midst of devastating trials. As each opportunity presents itself, we can know (and show others) that the God of hope walks alongside us, filling us with His presence and power. Almighty God, the perfect, forgiving, resurrected Lord, offers hope for every aspect of our lives – including (especially) the for-sure-hopeless situations.

Our hope comes alive when we place our faith in the resurrected Christ.

God wants to be involved in every area of our life because we’re important to Him. Let’s live as if we knew, from personal experience, that the God of hope is, indeed, the “reason for our hope!”

What about you?

I’d love to hear your thoughts about this post. (Your comment might also benefit others.)

• How would knowing – and trusting in – the God of Hope help you sleep at night in the midst of your circumstances?

If you’re reading by email, CLICK HERE to visit Today Can Be Different online and leave a comment. If you would like to subscribe to this blog and receive the most recent post to your inbox, see sidebar! There’s no charge for this service. AND, I’d be tickled if you would consider sharing this post.