Building Hope

As we conclude this series on hope, today’s devotional is about how we can build and strengthen our hope in God. Just as faith can grow, so can hope. It is not something static or fixed, but something we can nurture, develop, and cultivate in our daily walk with God.

The Bible calls us to actively strengthen our hope by turning to God’s Word, prayer, and by fixing our eyes on Jesus. Romans 15:4 (NIV) teaches us: “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.”

Hope is built through the promises of God, and by persevering through trials, trusting that God is faithful to His Word. As we walk through life’s ups and downs, we can continually build our hope in these ways.

Ways to Build Hope

1. Immerse Yourself in God’s Word
   The Word of God is the source of our hope. When we immerse ourselves in Scripture, we are reminded of God’s faithfulness throughout history, His promises to us, and the eternal hope we have in Christ. Meditating on and declaring God’s promises builds our confidence and trust in Him.

2. Pray and Seek God’s Presence
   Hope is strengthened when we spend time in God’s presence. In prayer, we exchange our fears, doubts, and anxieties for His peace and reassurance. As we draw closer to God, we become more aware of His power and faithfulness, and our hope is renewed.

3. Fix Your Eyes on Jesus - Use Your Imagination
   Hebrews 12:2 KJV reminds us to fix our eyes on Jesus, “the author and finisher of our faith.” He is the one who sustains our hope and keeps it alive. By focusing on Jesus, we are reminded that no trial, no difficulty, is too great for Him. Our hope is not in our circumstances but in Christ, who has overcome the world.

4. Persevere Through Trials
   Trials and difficulties can either weaken us or build us up. James 1:2-3 KJV encourages us to consider it joy when we face trials because the testing of our faith produces perseverance. As we persevere, our hope is strengthened because we see God’s faithfulness in our struggles. We come out stronger, more confident in His promises.

5. Encourage One Another
   Hope can also be built through community. When we encourage one another and share testimonies of God’s goodness, we remind ourselves and others that God is faithful. Surround yourself with people who speak life and hope into your situation, who point you to Jesus, and remind you of God’s promises.

Declarations:

• I declare that my hope is built on the solid foundation of God’s Word.

• I declare that my hope grows stronger as I seek God in prayer and trust in His faithfulness.

• I declare that no matter what trials I face, my hope will not be shaken because Jesus is my anchor.

• I declare that I will persevere through challenges, knowing that they are refining and strengthening my faith and hope.

• I declare that I will be a source of hope and encouragement to others, reminding them of God’s promises and His goodness.

Closing Prayer:

Father God, thank You for the gift of hope that sustains me through every season of life. Help me to build and strengthen my hope in You daily as I seek Your Word, spend time in prayer, and fix my eyes on Jesus. When trials come, give me the endurance to persevere and the confidence to trust that You are working all things together for my good. Let my life be a reflection of Your hope, encouraging others to trust in Your unfailing promises. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.