HOPE

This week's memory verse:"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11

I have said many times that hope is the thing that keeps me going, and that hope comes from my faith and trust in God. There have been many times when worry and despair have clouded my days, making it hard to see a future without that heavy feeling in my heart. When you're in it, all you can see is the pain. But, because of that hope that is buried deep in my heart and soul, I did not give up during those dark times...I KNEW God was with me and I hung on to that promise in the verse above...God has plans for me...to prosper me and not harm me, AND I knew I had a future!
The hard situations in my life are nothing compared to things that have happened to others, I know. Just look at the life of Job. He lost EVERYTHING! We can only imagine the depth of despair that he found himself in. But, after losing his wealth, possessions, his CHILDREN...he didn't lose his faith! He did morn. He tore his clothes and shaved his head...but then he fell to the ground in WORSHIP. Then he lost his health as well. His wife had had it and chastised him for his continued integrity and hope...just curse God and be done with it! STILL he did not give up. He said we live with the good, why not live with the bad. "Because even if he killed me, I'd keep on hoping. I'd defend my innocence to the very end." Job 13:15
Job is a good example for us. God wants us to have hope in Him. There are many verses that God gives us to remind us of that fact. Look up the following verses for your self so you can be reminded to keep your hope alive, even in the midst of your worries and troubles.

Psalm 25:3

Psalm 33:18

Psalm 33:20

Psalm 147:11

I pray that you never are in a Job situation, but whatever life issues you find yourself in, I pray the patience and hope of Job for you!