May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,
so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Rom. 15:13 (ESV)
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isa. 41:10 (ESV)
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. Heb. 6:19 (NIV)
Heavenly Father, we begin this May Friday grateful for the treasure-house of your Word, and the sweet-tapestry of these verses. As we ponder and pray our way through these Scriptures, we are grateful you speak to us with kindness and encouragement.
Today, in particular, we’re thankful to know you as the God of hope. When hard news comes and fear-fueling scenarios emerge, we rest in the good news you are with us, for us, and sovereign over every crisis and cricket.
We don’t have to be afraid or dismayed by anything or anyone; for your righteous right hand has a firm hold on us, and your grip is the grip of grace. Only you can bring calm into our chaos, rest for our restlessness, and peace in our pain.
Because you literally have “the whole world in your hands,” we loosen our anxious, weak grip on situations we cannot control, outcomes we can’t guarantee, and a future that belongs to you. Instead of white-knuckled fear, free us to raise our hands to you in surrender, worship, and trust.
Father, we enter this Memorial Day weekend, grateful that hope is our secure anchor. No matter the size of the waves, the strength of the wind, or what the Weather Channel says about the forecast, we abandon ourselves to your mercy and might. You love us, and don’t just have our backs, but our everything. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ holy and loving name.
