Father, we ask that you help us understand your word through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and open our hearts and minds so that we may understand and incorporate your word into our daily lives. Father, we thank you for your peace and comfort. Your wisdom and forgiveness. Your provision and healing. You are our rock and salvation. We cling to you through your word and the presence of the holy spirit. Father, please help us to see your blessings in our lives and give us a spirit of gratitude to you and for you…in Jesus’ name, we pray.

– Amen

Disappointment, and discouragement. It seems to be all around us these days. But remember Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”. But this requires faith in the Lord. Faith in the Lord is the conviction that God knows way more than we do in this life, and we can rely on him fully, and completely. In fact, he wants and commands us to. He will not forsake us.

“They are blessed who grieve, for God will comfort them…They are blessed who hunger and thirst after justice, for they will be satisfied” (Matthew 5:4-6)

“I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace while you trust in him. Then your hope will overflow by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13)

“The Lord says, “My Thoughts are not like your thoughts. Your ways are not like my ways. Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts…So you will go out with joy and be lead out in peace” (Isaiah 55:8-9)