Advent Devotion Day Four

December 4th

“Why, my soul, are you so dejected? Why are you in such turmoil? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise him, my Savior and my God.” - Psalm 42:5

Hope is a small word. Only four letters. Yet, it is one of the most powerful words in the English language.

Why?

Because in hope lies the power of the human soul to turn to God and live with confidence in believing that His promises are “yes and amen”.

People often think of hope is an emotion but it’s so much more than that. It’s more than an optimistic outlook or wishful thinking. True hope is a discipline, and a determination to believe in God’s promises and His power, that there is light at the end of the tunnel, even when everything around you seems to be so very dark.

This kind of hope flies in the face of trials, tragedies, and troubles, saying, “The world can do its worst to me and Satan can stage his attacks but still I will hope.”

Hope like this is “an anchor to our soul” (Hebrews 6:19). We have hope that Jesus loves us. Hope that He is, right now, working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). We have hope that the future you place in His hands will be better than the present you hold in your own (Jeremiah 29:11).

The Advent season is such a beautiful reminder of the certainty of the hope that we have.
Just as Old Testament Israel rested in the hope of a Messiah who was to come, we can rest in the hope that He is coming again.

Personal Reflection:
How does Christian hope go beyond mere optimism or wishful thinking?

How does hope shape a believer’s attitude towards suffering, trials, and the challenges of life?

Prayer Prompt: 
Ask the Lord to constantly remind you of the steady and sure hope that you have in Christ!