Day 5: Finding Hope in God - God Has Not Forgotten You: A 31-Day Devotional

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psalm 73:26)

"Take from a man his wealth, and you hinder him; take from him his purpose, and you slow him down. But take from man his hope, and you stop him. He can go on without wealth, and even without purpose, for a while. But he will not go on without hope."—C. Neil Strait.(1) As you think about your own circumstances, you may feel completely discouraged. The reality of what you are facing can seem so overwhelming, you might feel like giving up. But don't give up. The circumstances may be too difficult in human terms, but in Christ there is always hope. "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope" (Jeremiah 29:11 TLB). 

When you consider all that you are facing, ask yourself, "Is there anything too hard for God?" (See Jeremiah 32:17). Absolutely nothing! No matter what is going on in your life, you can trust that He is in control, and is working everything out for your good (see Romans 8:28). When you wake up in the morning and wonder how you will face the day, God is working it out. When you wonder how you can get through and overcome this difficult time, God is working it out. And when you lay down at night, wondering how you will face the challenges of tomorrow, whatever they may be, God is already working it out. God knows intimately the concerns of your heart (see Psalm 139:1-3), and can provide all the peace, strength, and courage you need. So don't give up! Confidently hope in Him. Hope … and persevere!  

Taking back your life …

1. Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." What hope does this Scripture give you in the midst of tragedy, loss, and uncertainty? 
2. Discuss as a family (or with a friend) how God has worked things out for your good in past times of difficulty. 
3. Pray with someone else who shares your sorrow. Take turns praying for one another that God will encourage your hearts and give you hope. 

Additional Scripture reading:

• Psalm 31:24 
• Romans 15:13 
• Ephesians 3:20-21