And hope does not put us to shame. —Romans 5:5a

Click Here to Read Today's Scripture: Romans 5:1-11

Congratulations! We made it through the first half of 2024. This is a precious gift from God, and we receive it with grateful hearts and mouths full of praises! However, this may also be the time when many start feeling uneasy because the year is running out fast and they don’t have testimonies of answers they have longed for since the beginning of the year, though trusting God to come through. If this is how you are feeling, you are not alone. I also have had my fair share of despairing thoughts through the course of this year. 

The temptation to despair may come from years of waiting for specific heart desires that have not come to pass. Or there have been major life changes such as breaks in relationships, divorce, job loss, death of a loved one, and the like. This brings to mind the psalmist's struggle between hope and despair in Psalm 42:5, ultimately telling himself, “Put your hope in God.”

Paul says that hope in God does not disappoint (Romans 5:5). It is not based on wishful thinking or the mere assertion that everything will be alright. This hope is grounded in the sure knowledge of God and His love for us, irrespective of the kind of season—bitter or sweet—we are having. 

As you and I journey into the second half of 2024, let us hold on to a renewed hope in God by speaking it repeatedly, to ourselves and others. Let’s dispel any despairing thoughts by continually building our absolute faith in God no matter the circumstances. We are called to be a people of hope not just for ourselves but for a world seriously in need of hope.

Reflect: Are there challenges in your life that threaten to take your focus off Jesus? What efforts can you make, or continue making, to place your hope firmly in Him? 

Prayer Starter:

Father, Lord, be my refuge from pain, my peace in times of distress, and my strength when I feel weak and find it hard to carry on.

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