This study is a continuation of the one we did last week on Hope. In this week’s lesson, we’ll take a look at six spiritual blessings we reap whenever we place our hope in God.
1. Answered Prayer
“I put my hope in You, LORD; You will answer, Lord my God.” Psalm 38:15
Whenever with sincerity of heart we bring our petitions (needs, requests) to God and place our hope in Him, we can rest rest assured He WILL answer us. Sometimes His answers may not be exactly what we wanted, but they will always be in line with what God knows is best for us.
What prayer requests have you’ve brought before God recently? Even if He hasn’t yet answered, don’t lose hope; in His time, He will answer.
2. Sense of Value and Worth
“The LORD values those who fear Him, those who put their hope in His faithful love.” Psalm 147:11
Although God loves all His creation, this verse tells us those who fear (reverence, respect) God and place their hope in Him are of special value or worth to their Creator. I don’t know about you, but in a world where a person’s value often seems of little consequence, it’s reassuring to know I am of value to God.
Question to ponder: Am I allowing the world to dictate my sense of value; or have I placed my hope in the promises of the One (God) who is always faithful?
3. Renewed Hope During Difficult Times
“Yet I call this to mind, and therefore I have hope. Because of the Lord’s faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:21-23
During a dark time in his life, Jeremiah (the writer of Lamentations) found renewed hope by reflecting on God’s faithfulness and never-ending supply of mercy and compassion; setting an example for us to follow during the difficult seasons of our lives. Although our circumstances may change, God never does.
Are you in need of renewed hope today? Take a few minutes to reflect on God’s faithfulness and the abundance of mercy and compassion He freely supplies.
4. Work of the Holy Spirit
“This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:5
Three great gifts from God: Hope, Love, and the Holy Spirit, who dwells within the hearts of all believers.
Are you short on hope today, struggling to grasp the depth of God’s love for you? Depend upon the power of the Holy Spirit to renew your hope and remind you of how much God loves you. All you have to do is ask.
5. Confidence in God’s Faithfulness
“Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23
Whenever a believer in Christ puts their hope in God, they have no reason to waver (shift back and forth between faith and doubt). Although mankind may fail us, if God makes a promise, He will be faithful to keep it.
Take a few minutes to thank God for His faithfulness to do what He says He will do.
6. God is the Source of our hope
“Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope comes from Him.” Psalm 62:5
Where can we find perfect rest (peace and calmness of heart in the midst of trials, difficulties, and the whirlwinds of life)? In God alone. Why? Because our hope comes from Him. He is the only source of true hope.
In what or whom have you placed your hope? If it’s not in God alone, determine today to shift all your hope to the only One (God) who can always be trusted.
~~~~~~
Now at my bungalow retreat, where I depict country living, bungalow-style through words and pictures: Come Before Him with Dancing. Hope you’ll drop by: www.bungalowretreat.com
