May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Rom. 15:13 (ESV)
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isa. 41:10 (ESV)
Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Pet. 1:13 (ESV)
Heavenly Father, we begin this day so very thankful for your Word. As we meditate and pray our way through these Scriptures, we’re deeply grateful you chose to reveal yourself to us with words we can understand and get a hold of. Though we don’t worship the Bible, we worship you because of the Bible.
Today, in particular, we’re thankful to be reminded that you are the God of hope—not hype, not spiritual spin, not pie-in-the-sky sentimentality, but trustworthy hope. In a world of unsettling circumstances and things we cannot control; broken people, places, and things, it is a source of immeasurable joy and peace to know that you love us and are in control of all things. It’s also wonderful to know that you intend for us to abound in hope—not merely hold on for a better day.
We don’t have to be afraid or be dismayed by anything or anyone, for your righteous right hand has a firm hold on us, and your grip is the grip of grace. You are fully with us and you are completely for us. We know this to be true because of your gift of Jesus. You loved us so much you gave your one and only Son. Surely, we can trust you for everything else we truly need. Father, thank you that the gospel is true, and that you really do love us this much.
You promise us all the grace we need for today, tomorrow, and for the rest of our days in this world—until the Day of über-grace, when Jesus returns. Father, thank you for being so very generous, hope-instilling, and peace-fueling. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ holy and loving name.