By Chanel Bingham

We often put hope into the category of feelings. We hope we have a good hair day. We hope to get to our appointment on time. We hope the police officer will overlook the fact that we are doing 55 mph in a 45 mph speed zone.

Hope, however, manifested within the context of our feelings, can never fulfill its intended purpose. Worldly hope will always leave us with uncertainty, but the hope we find in God is full of promise and fulfillment.

Hope is something that goes much deeper than our feelings. God gives us hope as a promise. It is a promise that we can find joy among sorrow, peace in the midst of chaos and freedom from sin and bondage.

God’s hope provides a place of refuge for the Christian soul. In Job 11:18, we see God’s promise of security, “You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety.”

His hope also strengthens us when we are weak. Isaiah 40:31 tells us, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Life can be filled with so many uncertainties: financial setbacks, health concerns, broken relationships or even lost opportunities. In times of disappointment and pain, it is easy to lose hope. It is easy to give in to the feelings of despair and anger, but God’s word tells us that His hope is enduring. His hope is without limits and is never based on feelings.

Hope drives out fear and ushers in the peace of God. It refreshes our spirits and equips us to face the future. Hope motivates and shines a light in the dark places, and it is hope that allows us to choose faith over fear.

When we find ourselves weary and beat down from the daily battles of life, we have the promise of God’s hope to sustain us.

Whatever struggles you are facing today, put your hope in the One who can meet your every need. Here are a few scripture to meditate on when your hope begins to fade. Trust in God, and He will manifest his promise of hope in your life.

“The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him.” Lamentations 3:25

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

“And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” Romans 5:5

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:4

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

“But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.” Psalm 39:7

“Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” Psalm 42:11

“Show me the path where I should walk, O LORD; point out the right road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.” Psalm 25:4-5

Chanel Bingham is a freelance writer, blogger and public speaker. She resides in Thorsby with her husband and four children. You can visit Chanel at www.thepolishedcanvas.com or on Facebook at The Polished Canvas.