Great verse! What isn't shown here or on my pillow is the end of that verse that says:
"...so that you may OVERFLOW with hope by
the power of the Holy Spirit."
Therefore, whatever fills us overflows from us. Did you think no one noticed what you were cherishing in your heart? Did I think no one knew there was a criticial spirit within me? Matt. 12:34 says: "..for the mouth speaks what the heart is full of." So what is filling you today? Are there fears, doubts, resentments, jealousies, disappointments? Or gossip, texts, Facebook? Or is it the GOD OF HOPE who promises you only His good and wonderful plans? We do have a choice.
Here are a few promises the God of Hope offers you:
"...those who seek the Lord lack no good thing." Psalm 34:10
"...he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things." Psalm 107:9
"I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness." Jer. 31:3
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." Matt. 5:6
"...and my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:19
Hope is impossible to find in anything other than the One True God. He is the only One who promises to provide everything we need. If anyone else says that, they are not telling the truth. Like the ship in the night who can put down their anchor and trust in its ability to hold them secure, so the God of Hope is our security. Whatever the circumstances that may come our way, His indwelling Spirit is enough, His grace is sufficient.
Our 4th Grade Sunday School lesson this past Sunday reminded me we used to carry around rabbits' feet? Do you remember? Somehow we thought that would protect us from the ills of life...not true. But the God of Hope...you better believe He will comfort us and protect us in ALL things.
What is filling you today? And what is pouring out of you?
For further study: Psalm 62:5, Proverbs 27:19, Isaiah 49:23, 1 Cor. 13:7, Ephesians 5:15-20, Phil. 4:8, Colossians 1:27, 1 Thes. 4:13, 1 Tim. 6:17-19, Hebrews 6:18-19.
Be blessed in your understanding of God's word.
Love,
Holly