The Lord Is My Hope

We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me." For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ......Romans 15:1-6

Today, I join with Peggy in prayer:

My Father God,

As I read the Scripture, there are many times when I do not understand. I pray that You will open my eyes and my heart with Your Holy Spirit so that I may know the endurance and encouragement and hope that You want me to show to others.

I know that I am to be Your light to the world, and sometimes, I admit...I fail miserably. Instead of relying on You, I try to rely on myself....for strength, for endurance...and instead of seeking You for encouragement and hope and joy, I try to find these in the words and actions of others.

Help me to realize that only You are to be my encouragement. Yes, You speak through others to me, and help me to listen to others as they encourage me. Help me to be an encourager of others and not try to change them according to what I want them to be.

You know all, God. All things are in Your hands. Only good will come from Your purposes for me and those in my life. Help me to remember this even when times seem difficult and I don't understand when tragedies occur.

My Father, sometimes I feel as though I am carrying a very heavy weight upon my back. This weight has names--guilt and shame. I know, Lord, that Jesus took all my guilt and shame upon Himself for me. Lord, as I learn to forgive others as You have forgiven me, I ask that You teach me to forgive myself also.

You are an amazing and awesome God. I trust You, My hope is in You. My joy is in You. Let me lean on You when I feel the weights bearing down on me and take the guilt and shame from me. You are strong and mighty and powerful, and I know that Your shoulders can bear the weight when I totally lean on You.

As I read Your Word, infuse me with Your hope...not the hopes of this world. You are the God of hope. Help me to show this hope to others.

In Jesus' Name I pray...

Amen