Day 33: Contending for Hope in Hopeless Situations
Romans 15:13
“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.”
This verse hangs on the wall of my home and serves as a constant reminder to my family and I, that God is a God of hope. He fills us with all joy and peace, fruits of the Spirit, so we can have hope and lots of it. We are also reminded in this verse that it is by the power of the Holy Spirit that we will abound in hope.
The word “abound” carries immense power. It signifies not just a small amount of hope, but an overflowing abundance, a wealth of more than enough. According to this verse, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we will overflow with hope, having more than enough to face any challenge.
But how do we apply this in seemingly hopeless situations, those that appear endless or are expected to end poorly? How do we maintain hope in environments where negativity and hopelessness dominate?
One of the ways I maintain hope is by turning to the Bible and reading the many examples of hopeless situations where God intervened. I think of the paralytic who had no hope for his life to be anything more than living on a mat and relying on others to care for him. I remember the woman with the issue of blood, who for twelve years was considered an unclean outcast. She spent every last penny on doctors who were unable to help her. I read about those with leprosy, an incurable disease, who were ostracized from society. In each situation, the people had no hope for things to change. Then someone told them about Jesus and suddenly the impossible became possible. How brave it must have been to entertain hope once again.
This is where we press into the part of this verse, the promise that it is the power of the Holy Spirit that actually kindles our hope. It is the Holy Spirit that gives us joy and peace. In Nehemiah 8:10, Ezra reminds us “the joy of the Lord IS our strength”. We rely on that very joy provided by the Holy Spirit to be our strength. We rely on God, the God of hope to show up when we cry out in prayer. He shows up in our reading of the word of God, in our worship. He is present with us in our trials and pain. When we set our eyes to see Him and to abide in His presence, our hope is restored to the state of abounding.
Listening Prayer:
Holy Spirit, reveal to me today areas where my hope is depleted. Where have I allowed the voices of the enemy and the world to diminish my hope? How do you want me to interact with you today so you can strengthen me, minister to my heart, and re-establish fresh hope? Please speak to my heart, mind, and body, and restore my hope today. Pray as the Holy Spirit directs.
Prayer:
I praise you God that you ARE the GOD OF HOPE. You restore. You provide. You give peace and joy. You meet me in my time of need. You meet me in my hopelessness and you speak truth and life into those areas of my life. I pray that I would be tethered to you and aware of your presence today. As I continue to fast and pray, strengthen me where I am weary and give me the abounding hope Paul speaks of in Romans. Help me to see where others need hope so am I able to bring them to your throne of grace in prayer. I pray my hope would encourage others who need hope. May I be an example to those around me, because you are present in my life, no matter the situation, hope abounds. Thank you for your faithfulness to do what you have promised in your Word. Thank you that you never fail and that you always provide for your children. I trust you. I love you. I put my hope in you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Resource: Bible Verses on Hope
Psalm 119:114
“You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word.”
Psalm 43:5
“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.”
Romans 12:12
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
Colossians 1:22-23a
“But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel.”
Isaiah 40:30-31
“Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”