by Desiree Bustamante

In an anxious and desperate world, the hope found in Christ is the cure.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“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 New International Version

For some of us, this winter has been a long and stormy one. We can’t wait for sunny, warmer weather. A glimpse of a bird, or the budding leaves of a tree, give us hope for a new season.

The one thing that inundates us every day in this world is lack of hope. It’s all over our social media, the news, movies and newspapers. Even in conversations with neighbors, co-workers and friends—as we talk about politics, climate change, lack of religious freedoms, rising costs, market downturns—the list of fears that bring anxiety and disrupt our peace goes on and on.

Thankfully, as believers in Christ, the one thing—the only thing—we have is hope. Hope for today, tomorrow and an unseen future. Hope in all things—wonderful, miserable or mundane. This hope, given to us by a God who loves us and is merciful to us every day, saturates our souls.

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
1 Peter 3:15 New International Version

While the blessing of hope is priceless, do not keep this precious gift to yourself. Share your reason for hope with those in your life. Let the hope of Christ flow out from you to your friends, your family, and to a world in need of Christ and His hope!

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado