Guest post by Jeanette Andrade
May 25 Scripture Selection: Job 4-6
Food for Thought: Job 6:11
In the midst of all his sufferings, Job seems to be groping in search of any inkling of hope. In his utter helplessness, Job wonders out loud how he could wait out the catastrophes in hope for relief and better days. He longs for even a hint of hope. Hope is a mighty, powerful thing that sustains people even under great pressure and leads them to have faith. Without hope, all truly appears lost, and the strength to endure vanishes as well, which is why we must cling to it, regardless of the circumstances.
Hope is such an important concept that it is mentioned in the New King James Version one hundred fifty-one times. Proverbs 13:12 speaks of the consequences of losing hope, and the positive effects of having it: “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.” So important is it that it is listed among the top three “must have’s” in I Corinthians 13:13: “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
So how can you gain hope and not lose it? First, by establishing and remaining consciously aware of your relationship with the Father. Psalm 16:8-9 says, “I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will rest in hope.” Know that He loves you and desires only the best for you (Eph. 3:19; Col. 2:2).
Second, realize that, because of your relationship with the Father through Jesus, the circumstances that you face can not compare to the strength of the hope in you which is promised not to end in disappointment, as Romans 5:1-5 affirms: “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
As long as there is life, there is hope (Eccl. 9:4). Ultimately, hope is a decision that you can talk yourself into, as you fix your thoughts on the Lord. David knew this and said in Psalm 42:11 “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.” Remember, too, that He strengthens us through His Word.
Hope is the anchor of our soul which keeps us steadfast (Heb. 6:19) until that which we cannot yet see comes to pass ( Rom. 8:24; Heb. 11:1). So the apostle Paul’s prayer to the Romans is the same for us today: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Whatever you may be facing today, hang on to hope by the power of the Holy Spirit and trust in His Word.
Digging Deeper (What scriptures can further enhance today’s reading?):
Getting Personal (What has God shown you in today’s reading?):
Confession of Faith (Example: Lord, based on Mat. 1:21 and 23, I understand that Jesus is God, and I receive Him as my personal Lord and Savior.):
Important Events on This Day (birthdays, anniversaries, etc.):
suyts space 
Thank you.