As a pastor’s wife, I have had numerous opportunities to have conversations with individuals who are hurting and who are going through difficulties in their lives–the loss of a loved one, a separation or divorce, children who have lost their way, the loss of a job (or looking for a job), to name a few.

Hope almost invariably becomes the topic of conversation because they are all seeking strength from the Lord and oftentimes have lost all “hope” because of their situation.

The following are just a few scriptures that tell us about “the reason for our hope” and that it is in the Lord Jesus Christ who is the author and finisher of our faith. All of the scriptures are from the NIV translation, but I would encourage you if you have access to other translations to examine what they say on hope as well.

Psalm 31:24: Be strong and take heart; all you who hope in the Lord.

Romans 5:1-5: Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character, and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”

Romans 8:24-25: We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

Romans 12:12: Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

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

May the Lord richly bless you as you seek His face for continued hope in your life’s journey.

Blessings on you,
Yvonne