1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (NKJV)

Hebrews 11:1,6 – Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (NIV)

Some time ago, I was discussing the writing of these devotionals with a member of the staff where I am privileged to live. When I mentioned that I was considering doing one about counting our blessings, Ashley, who is always so positively encouraging to me and all the other residents, immediately responded with "I like that!"

But how can we feel blessed when so many things around us make us feel hopeless?

In recent months, we have heard about and experienced the effects of the coronavirus and particularly the debilitating effects on those who suffer from long-term symptoms. The war in Ukraine holds many stories of untold suffering and utter hopelessness. It seems that every day we hear about someone whose health situation is considered hopeless, and it may even be that you feel that that is the case for you.

Probably one of the saddest words in our vocabulary is "hopeless". Without hope, our desire to live, to do — and indeed, to be — disappears.

But if we read again Paul's direction in today's verses from Thessalonians, he gives us clear instructions. Certainly, Paul's personal experiences could have made him feel hopeless. But through all his problems, he learned and directs us to put our faith in Jesus and to rejoice always. "Count your many blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done" wrote Johnson Oatman Jr. in 1897.

There is always a bright side to every problem. I remember flying under heavy, dark, ominous clouds, when suddenly the plane broke through, and above the clouds, there was bright sunshine everywhere.

Often, it seems that we are almost overcome by dark clouds, and we are tempted to give up. But we must always look for the silver lining in every transaction in life, for God is over all.

However, as set out in today's verses from Hebrews, what will give us true hope for this life and the next is our reconciliation with Jesus. You and I each have to decide where and in Whom we will place our hope.

In 1834, Edward Mote wrote words which I believe that we all can follow.

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus' name.
On Christ the solid rock I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

Prayer: Dear Father, we are so grateful for Your love as expressed in the gift of Your Son, Jesus. Thank You for the Holy Spirit, Who helps us to understand that love through faith. Help us to maintain our hope in You now and each day in the future. Help us to share that faith, hope, and love with others. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Forward this devotional     Share on Facebook

About the author:

Vincent Walter <vwalter@bell.net>
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Send your feedback to the author