Romans 15:13 ” May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may over flow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

That deep inner psychological sense of hope, confidence and expectation can only be reached and fully satisfied when we allow the Lord to fill that “God shaped” void inside us.  And that wonderful transformation then allows us to “spill over”….for the God of all hope fills us to over flowing so that we might give that hope  to others.

Psalm 27:14 ” Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”

Our  hope rest solely in the Lord and nothing else.  And when we abide in Him and His mighty power, (Ephesians 6:10),  that courageous side of us comes out and we’re able to persevere under tremendous pressure…because our strength comes from Him.

Matthew 9:2 ” Jesus said to the paralytic, ‘Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.’ “

Hopelessness can take on many faces, and be caused by many different reasons.  But regardless, that bitterly piercing anguish of losing hope takes our  spirit to the very depths of despair with seemingly no way out.   The paralytic had lost all hope…there was nothing left for him to do but die…but then Jesus spoke hope back into him.  You too may be facing hopelessness today…allow Jesus to speak hope back into your life right now…and believe.

Matthew 14: 26-27 ” When the disciples saw Him walking on the lake, they were terrified. ‘It’s a ghost!’, they said, and cried in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.’ “

Fear will throw us into confusion…but the calm reassuring voice of the Lord can penetrate any chaos and be heard above any thunderous storm in our lives.  But just listening to His voice is not enough…we need to then activate our faith.  Because  for a moment we might have lost our courage, but with the Lord’s encouraging words, we can find it again.

Hebrews 3:6 ” But Christ is faithful as a son over God’s house. And we are His house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast.”

It is a special exercise of our faith when we face fear and doubt head on.  At that moment, we need to hold fast to the truth with confidence and boldness that no matter what – God is still there and in control.

Hebrews 13: 20-21 ” May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. “

Everything you need to live a victorious, righteous life…every detail, every means of accomplishment, every plan and procedure,  the Lord has not only prepared, but  also provided for you.  He is constantly working in our lives to bring out the very best in us.  The Lord desires you to  succeed…and He equips you  with everything to do so.

Hebrews 1:3 ” The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being…”

We look like our parents…we possess characteristics  from both of them.  Our DNA is a family history from generations past.  Jesus was that perfect expression of His Heavenly Father.   Jesus Himself said in John 14:9, ” Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father.”  God’s divine glory and splendor took on flesh and came down here to earth to live among us…and His name was Jesus Christ.

Psalm 33:11 ” But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations.”

From the moment of creation…to the furthest reaches of the future, there are two things that will never change about God.  He will never lie, and He will never change His mind. (Numbers 23:19)  The plans he puts into motion are driven by divine wisdom and love and will never see failure…for He is God.

Psalm 94:11 ” The Lord knows the thoughts of man; He knows that they are futile.”

The Lord knows them all…every ill-intended, evil thought.  He sees every vain and worthless plan, and will  listen to every ridiculous scheme when we’re trying to impress Him with our wisdom. To paraphrase I Corinth. 3:20,  The wisdom of the world is utterly absurd and ridiculous to God is so very true.  Every time we think we know it all…we need to remember that we know nothing.

Jude 1:2 ” Mercy, peace, and love be yours in abundance.”

On this first day of 2016,  I pray this scripture over you and yours.  May the Lord’s compassion be ever evident in your life…may you discover true peace that is only brought about by God’s tender mercy,  granting you deliverance and freedom from sin…and may His unconditional love shine brightly on you as you journey ahead in this new year.  God loves you!