The One Thing We All Need Right Now

If there’s one thing we need right now, it’s hope—hope for today, tomorrow, and the future.

Our families are isolated, our businesses are under duress, and our stress levels are higher than ever. Where we were confident, now we’re cautious. Where there was courage, now there is fear. Where we felt safe, now we feel threatened.

Even when you feel lost or like the path isn’t well-marked, God tells you how to find the path to hope.

It’s simple and may remind you of a popular song from several years ago: “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.”

“Don’t worry about anything,
pray about everything.
Tell God what you need,
and thank him for what he’s done.”
Philippians 4:6 New Living Translation (NLT)

Skeptical about that command? Take him at his word.

Trust him.

“My brothers and sisters, be very happy when you are tested in different ways. You know that such testing of your faith produces endurance. Endure until your testing is over. Then you will be mature and complete, and you won’t need anything.”
James 1:2-4 GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)

Sound trite? Think about it.

The journey to hope follows the path of testing and suffering.

The Apostle Paul was no stranger to suffering. In the letter to the Romans, he wrote:

• Suffering creates endurance and perseverance
• Endurance creates character and strength
• Character creates confidence and hope.

Trust God. You’re already on the journey. Follow the path.

Be grateful for the companions who travel this road with you toward our blessed hope.

Hope is what we all need right now, and hope does not disappoint.

Ask yourself:

What worry can I give to God today so I can have peace?

For reflection:

Father, in Paul’s letter to Timothy, you remind us that we should trust in you, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. When you test me, I know it’s because you want to create endurance, perseverance, character, and strength in me, and confident hope in you! Amen.