Our God of Hope!

By: Taffi Marino

Have you every felt heavy and discouraged; dare I say a little hopeless? Recently, on a rainy and dreary day I felt that way. What was so odd is that others that I spoke with or encountered that day felt the same. I even had someone call me for encouragement and I am sad to say I had little to give. That evening after I cleaned up the dishes from dinner I found a quiet spot and got out my bible and read the following;

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

Something stirred in my heart...I read it again. Then another scripture came to mind.

Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. Hebrews 6:18-19

He is the God of HOPE. We can run to Him when we need a refuge. This hope that He gives is strong and trustworthy and it anchors our emotions. He is the God of Hope that gives JOY and PEACE. We need joy and peace today! As I began to read these scriptures aloud something unusual happened, I began to laugh. It wasn't a "haha funny" laugh, but a joyful laugh that came out from my belly. The God of HOPE gave me Joy! What I realized that gloomy evening is that Satan has very little to work with, and he will use the natural things to discourage us and to keep in a place of heaviness. The bible says to "Put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness" I want to encourage you that the God of Hope wants to give you Joy and Peace today. Begin to praise Him! Read these scriptures and rejoice. It will anchor your emotions and give you strength for today and HOPE for tomorrow.

Lots of Love! -Taffi