Hope begins with faith in God and the belief that He is both good and sovereign (i.e. in control). Hope is based in the character of God, that He is love. It is seen in His faithfulness, in His generosity, in His sacrifice, in His mercy. We store up hope by trusting that God is who He says He is (He is love) and by trusting that He is in control.
Our hope begins to wane as we worry, as we look into the future and see no way out, as we experience pain and loss. Our hope is attacked by the reality that life can be difficult, injustices exist and we see more evil that good, more hate than love.
So how do we store up hope? How do we replace worry and anxiety with hope? We read, we remember and we respond. We read stories of God’s goodness and sovereignty in the Bible. We remember His good and sovereign acts. We respond by choosing to believe these things.
What stories have you read and can you read? What can you remember? Choose to respond in belief. If you’re struggling, talk to God, talk to a friend. It’s okay, but do not give up trying to store up hope.
**Sit quietly again for as much time as is available to you.**
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