Harvest Hope

Hope is the necessary ingredient for thriving. It’s the foundation we need to heal our relationships, undertake challenges, and pursue our God-given dreams. No matter where we live, what job we have, or what background we come from- there’s one thing we all have in common.

We all want and need to wake up every morning with HOPE. Hope for the day, hope for the future, and hope that our ambitions and dreams will someday come true.

The problem is –– we often spend a significant part of our lives attempting to find HOPE in people, places, and things that lead us to greater emptiness and despair.

When we lack HOPE, we become depressed. When relationships lack HOPE, they fall apart. When there’s a lack of hope for the future, we can get discouraged and give up on our dreams. Sometimes, when HOPE seems completely out of reach, drugs and alcohol become the pain reliever of choice. And, when there seems to be no HOPE in sight, some consider suicide.

There’s no doubt, HOPE is the daily ingredient we all need to thrive –– but where do we find HOPE?

In the one place where it’s consistently available –– in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Our HOPE is strengthened when we read His precious promises in the Bible and trust He is in control. So, let’s take our eyes off of our circumstances and look to Jesus and to the promises in His Word that never fail.

Implement the following 5 steps and HARVEST HOPE each and every day –– no matter what country, culture, or circumstances you find yourself in.

“Be strong and let your heart take courage, All you who hope in the Lord.”

Psalm 31:24 (NASB)

Call to Action:

Choose to Pray.

Ask God for wisdom and discernment regarding your situation, journal your prayers and spend quiet moments with the Lord awaiting Him to direct your path.

James 1:5 (NASB) —“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all

generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

Choose God’s Word.

In God’s Word, we find answers to life’s most challenging questions. Read and study God’s Word daily to find comfort, encouragement, and guidance for your circumstances.

2 Timothy 3:16 (NASB) —“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.”

Choose to Trust God.

Once we pray and seek guidance from God and His Word, we must take appropriate, biblical actions and trust God with the outcome. This may mean we need to set healthy boundaries, remove ourselves from sinful or unhealthy circumstances, or share our situation with a trusted and godly friend, pastor, or counselor. Once we’ve done our part, we must rely on the Lord and trust His plan for our future.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NASB) — “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Choose a Positive Attitude.

Our attitudes impact our outlook and outcomes. We can choose to make them positive or negative. Make a commitment today to choose a positive attitude regarding your circumstances. Download the Negative Attitudes vs. Positive Attitudeschart on our resources page at CourageForLife.org

Ephesians 4:23 (NASB) —“Be renewed in the spirit of your mind and put on the new self, which in

the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.”

Choose to Persevere.

When our circumstances seem too much to bear, we must persevere. Choose to stay the course and endure the storms of life when they come your way –– realizing, there is a lesson to be learned, courage to be gained, and a reward to be received. We never go alone –– God is with us –– even when we don’t recognize His presence.

Galatians 6:9 (NASB) —“Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.”

Are you willing to ask God for help and guidance, search for wisdom in His Word, trust Him with your circumstances, adopt a positive attitude, and choose to persevere today so you too can HARVEST HOPE throughout life?