Day 1 of the New Year and You are Feeling Hopeless
We have an endless well of hope to draw from.
I wanted to jump straight into my warm-up for my usual 10-mile run, but I couldn’t pass up journaling. This time has always been so special for my growth. Though I managed to start part of my morning routine with God—quietly sneaking out of the tent I had set up in the living room after spending the entire night with my two-year-old and three-year-old not sleeping—I didn’t get the chance to journal. So here we are, tackling an afternoon challenge! My HOPE is that it will encourage you!
Happy New Year!
I couldn’t get Proverbs 30:5 out of my head today. I also read Romans 15 and realized God was impressing one word on my heart: HOPE.
You don’t have to look far to see a hopeless world—turn on your TV. But I also want to point out that you can witness a beautiful world, too! Today, though, I feel led to speak to those struggling with hopelessness.
Where do you turn when you’re hopeless? The bottle? Friends? Work? Food? Avoiding food? Sports? TV shows? Movies?
Here’s some new/ancient news, news that’s been around since before time began: we will find HOPE in God’s Word!
Proverbs 30:5
“Every word of God is tested and refined [like silver]; He is a shield to those who trust and take refuge in Him.” (Proverbs 30:5, AMP)
Silver was highly valuable in biblical times and symbolized wealth, purity, and devotion. The refining process involved intense heat to remove impurities, often repeated until the silver was flawlessly pure. This painstaking process reflects the perfection of God’s Word—it is tested, trustworthy, and enduring.
Just as silver was precious and enduring, God’s promises are of supreme worth and offer spiritual security to those who trust Him. So, what are some of God’s promises? Let’s explore them together.
God’s Promises to Cling To
1. God’s Promise of His Presence
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
God assures us that we are never alone; His presence is constant, providing courage and strength.
2. God’s Promise of Peace
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)
In times of anxiety or hardship, God promises peace that surpasses all understanding.
3. God’s Promise of Strength
“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.” (Isaiah 40:31)
When we feel weak, God renews our strength and sustains us through every challenge.
4. God’s Promise to Provide
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)
God guarantees to supply all our needs as we trust in His provision.
5. God’s Promise of Wisdom
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5)
Whenever we need guidance, God promises to provide wisdom freely and generously.
6. God’s Promise of Rest
“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
In our exhaustion, God invites us to find true rest and renewal in Him.
7. God’s Promise of Eternal Life
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
Through faith in Jesus, we receive the promise of eternal life with God.
8. God’s Promise of Victory
“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57)
In every trial, we are assured of victory because of what Christ has done for us.
9. God’s Promise of Protection
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:14)
God is our defender, fighting on our behalf and offering safety in times of trouble.
10. God’s Promise of Unchanging Love
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers… will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)
God’s love for us is unshakable, eternal, and unconditional.
11. God’s Promise of Royalty and Identity
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9)
As children of the King, we are royalty in His kingdom, chosen and called to reflect His light and declare His goodness.
12. God’s Promise That We Are His Children
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1)
God’s love is so immense that He adopts us as His own children through faith in Christ. This promise assures us of our identity, belonging, and inheritance in His family.
Never Finished Challenge
God’s promises are a firm foundation that you can cling to in every circumstance. They remind us that no matter how hopeless the world may seem, there is always hope in Him—ALWAYS!
So, here’s my challenge: Get out your sword (the Word of God) and fight this year. Fight today! Replace the enemy’s narrative—and even your own negative thoughts—with God’s promises.
Here’s how it can look:
The enemy attacks, whispering lies like, “You’re worthless.” Yes, it stings, but because you know you are a child of God and you are royalty (1 John 3:1; 1 Peter 2:9), that lie doesn’t get to stay. You stand on God’s promises, declaring, “I am chosen, I am loved, and I belong to the King.”
Every time you fight back with God’s truth, you’re not just holding ground—you’re taking it. This year, don’t just survive—fight with His promises, thrive, and live as the victorious child of God! Live a life of grand and unexplainable SIGNIFICANCE!
Let’s go! You’re never finished.
What Does Today Say About God?
Today reminds me of the depth of God’s character—His mercy, love, and grace. It’s anxiously challenging to imagine letting a murderer, rapist, or rebellious into the promises of God if we were Him. But the hard truth is, you and I are exactly that.
No matter how small, every sin deserves death (Romans 6:23). Yet, in His unfathomable mercy, God not only withholds the punishment we deserve, but He also lavishes us with promises that empower us to live a life of significance here on earth. And beyond that? He gives us ETERNITY with Him!
This isn’t something we can earn or deserve; it’s a gift—one that costs us nothing but cost Jesus everything.
Thank you, Jesus!