“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:1, 5 NKJV

Hand in Hand

Every day I’m reminded that I have been justified by faith—so thankful that Jesus was obedient to His Father’s will and walked towards the cross, and died on the cross for you and for me. Amazing forgiveness and amazing love. I have been justified by faith; therefore, I’m blessed to live a life of peace through Jesus, which goes hand in hand with my hope in God—and hope does not disappoint.

Sometimes we have to stir ourselves up and remember who we are in Jesus! The world can bring doubt, negativity, and confusion into our lives and make us feel unloved or not even acknowledged as a person. I have to pray and ask God to stir up the gifts that He gave to me, and fill me with His Holy Spirit afresh and anew each day, and purpose to live the life that He has called me to.

I’ve learned scripture verses as a child in Sunday School which are embedded in my mind and my heart. However, at times these verses seem all too familiar, and I don’t want my life as a Christian to feel mundane, nor do I want to lose the excitement of who I am in Jesus, or who He knows I am in Christ. I have to persevere and stand firm in my faith and my hope in Him.

God gave me a glimpse of hope this past week in an area that only He and I knew was a concern of mine. Because I chose to put my faith in Him in that particular situation, He blessed me with a special surprise that got me super excited—and gave me joy fully and deeply in my soul.

Hope does not disappoint, nor does His steadfast love for me or for you. He understands me; He understands you. He knows just what we need at a particular time, and He knows what will make us feel special—He is our Heavenly Father.

This hymn published in 1883 by Daniel W. Whittle and music by James McGranahan came to my remembrance this week. I sang this in church as a child:

I know not how this saving faith

To me He did impart,

Nor how believing in His Word

Wrought peace within my heart.

But “I know Whom I have believed,

And am persuaded that He is able

To keep that which I’ve committed

Unto Him against that day.”*

Lord, we praise You for everything You do for us, for the special glimpse of hope that You know we need just at the right time, and for your steadfast love for us. Thank You for Your fun surprises. We love You, Lord. Amen.

*Whittle, Daniel Webster. “I Know Whom I Have Believed.” Gospel Hymns No 4. 1883. Public Domain.