I've posted this before here, but with the pandemic crisis and all the fear it has brought, it is good to remember what God has promised us. He offers us His peace and hope, no matter what is going on around us!
I have hope because...
...God loves me:
...I am chosen:For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)
...but you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (I Peter 2:9)
... when the world seems to have gone crazy, He is still God:
In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
...when I fear for my future, He says:
Fear not! For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)
...no evil purpose can stand against me:
The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. (II Timothy 4:18)
...the testing of my faith has great purpose:
These [trials] have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. (I Peter 1:7)
...when I pray, I get answers:
I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. (John 16:23)
...when my body suffers, I can know His healing:
...[He] healed all the sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah, "He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases." (Matthew 8:17)
...when I'm tired, He gives me strength:
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)
...when I don't know what to do, He gives me His wisdom:
If any of you lacks wisdom he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. (James 1:5)
...when my heart is breaking, He wraps me in His arms:
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. (Psalm 147:8)
...when I stumble and sin, He forgives me:
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (I John 1:9)
...when I've been wronged, He is my Defender:
I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy. (Psalm 140:12)
...when the money doesn't stretch, He provides for me:
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)
...when I'm worried and anxious, He promises peace:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
...when things are falling apart, He has a plan:
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
...when I fear for my family, I can trust His care:
...because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. (II Timothy 1:12)
...when conflicting voices confuse me, He shows me the right way:
But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. (John 16:13)
Why do I have hope?
Because Jesus came, and...
He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. (Isaiah 9:6-7)
