May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,
so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Rom. 15:13 ESV
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isa. 41:10 ESV
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. Ps. 56:3 ESV
My peace I give you… Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 NIV
Heavenly Father, we begin our Friday thankful for the Bible, trusting your heart, and resting in your love. Meditating and praying our way through these Scriptures gives us a peace and perspective that can’t be found anywhere else. Indeed, these passages claim us much more than we claim them. What a Father you are.
Today, in particular, we’re thankful to know you as the God of peace and hope—peace, not spin; hope, not hype. In a world of unexpected surprises, upsetting circumstances, and unpredictable people, it is a source of immeasurable joy to know you love us, that you’re at work in all things for our good, and that you will complete the good work you began in us.
Your righteous right hand has a firm hold on us, and those we love as well. Your grip is the grip of sovereign grace, measureless might, and unending compassion.
When (not if) we are afraid, we will turn to you. When (not if) we are weak, we will seek to boast in our weakness and in Jesus. When (not if) we are struggling, we will be honest about it, seek the prayers of friends, and wait on you.
Thank you for being fully with us and completely for us, Father. Having given Jesus for us, we can trust you for everything else as well. In the coming weeks of holiday-making, grant us what we need to honor you in the little kerfuffle’s, and the big challenges. Great is your faithfulness, daily are your mercies, endless is your grace. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ holy and loving name.
