Journal - Hope 03 - wk12

Hi everyone, thanks for joining us as we continue to focus on “Hope” scriptures from our Scripture By Topic list, titled “Hope.” You can find that list at wordbymail.com under Resources. So, if you have an Alone With God journal, grab that, and if you don’t, you can also get yours at wordbymail.com. But grab a journal of some type, grab your Bible, and let’s get ready to meet the Lord. Pause this guide if you need to in order to get all set before we get started.

I use the NLT version of the Bible. You grab whatever version you use and turn it to Psalm 146, verses 5-6. Let’s set our minds and our hearts on the hope we have in the Lord.

Psalm 146:5–6 (NLT)
5 But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the Lord their God.
6 He made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. He keeps every promise forever.

Joyful verse 5 says, or blessed, or even happy, the New King James says. Joyful, blessed, and happy are those who have the God of Israel as their helper. Those whose hope is in the Lord their God. And remember, biblical hope is not like worldly hope. Biblical hope is defined as a confident expectation based on solid certainty. Joyful and blessed are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, those who have put their confident expectation, their solid confidence in the Lord their God because verse 6 says our God made heaven and earth; he made the sea and everything in them. He is the Creator of it all. Our God keeps every promise forever. One translation says Our God who remains faithful for forever.

Our God is a forever promise keeper. He keeps every promise forever. And he remains faithful forever. 2 Timothy 2:13 says even when we are faithless God remains faithful because he cannot deny who he is – he is our ever, forever faithful God. And so, our joy and our blessing come because God is for us, because he is our helper, and because our hope is in the Lord God alone. He is the Creator of all things. And he keeps every promise, forever.

Okay. Look at your MEDITATE section. Now that you’ve listened, meditate on these verses for a minute yourself. Mull over these verses slowly and purposefully. And then write What is God’s Word saying? What is the spiritual truth that stands out to you today? You write what God’s Word is saying. Do it in order to help you absorb it. Do that, and then come back.

Alright, next, How does this truth apply to your life today? In what area of your life do you need to know that these verses are true? You can also write a prayer here in the APPLY section. God, I need this truth to impact me. I need this truth to affect me, to transform me in this specific area of my life. Just take a minute and write down how or where in your life you need this truth to really, truly apply today. Go ahead and write that down, and then come on back.

And now, the hard part. The RESPOND section. How will you respond to what the Holy Spirit has impressed on your heart in these two verses? What faithful, obedient action can you take to make these truths real in your current circumstances? The God of Israel is your helper, and he is your rock-solid hope. He is the Lord of All Creation, and he keeps his promise forever. How will you respond to that in your life today? Alright, write in your RESPOND section how you’ll respond to these truths, and then come back one more time.

Okay. I’m going to pray, and then I’m going to ask you to write your prayer in your journal in the PRAY section as you finish your time alone with God.

So, first, let’s pray together.

Heavenly Father, we are joyful and blessed because you, Lord, are our helper. And you, Lord, are our genuine rock-solid hope. Our hope is in you alone, our Lord, and our God. Lord, there is nothing that can stand in the way of your promises. You made heaven and earth and the sea and everything in them. And you are an absolute promise keeper. You keep every promise forever, Lord. And so, we pray that we would genuinely apply that to our lives today, that we would genuinely believe it and receive it. And Lord, that we would genuinely respond to it. And may we be transformed by this truth. In your mighty name Jesus, amen.

Alright, guys. Another great journal devotion on “Hope.” You guys have a great day, and I will see you again soon. Bye-bye.