“This is the day which the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24 NASB)
For months now, my husband and I have been starting our mornings by speaking aloud Psalm 118:24. Doing so gives me hope.
In Your Words: What renews your hope?
On Sunday I’m selecting — with the help of Rafflecopter — the last two winners of the Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs) of Catch a Falling Star. 
If you’d like to help share the news about the giveaway, here’s a possible post: Author Beth K. Vogt is giving away the last two advanced copies of her book Catch a Falling Star, which releases in May. Stop by Beth’s author FB page before Sunday for your chance to win!
Twitter: Win one of the last 2 advanced copies of Catch a Falling Star! Winners announced on Monday. http://bit.ly/XAFKBs #Christfic #bookgiveaway
Comments 17
I had this conversation with a friend just last night, as a followup to our church’s Bible study on Wednesday. Our Pastor said that as Christians, we need never feel hopeless or helpless as long as we remember that God is our hope and our help. So simple, but so easy to forget in the midst of a trial.
Author
Thank you for the reminder, Melissa.
What renews my hope? A beautiful sunrise, a rainbow, a bird’s song…God sends reminders everyday of His power and love.
Author
So true, Pat.
Especially rainbows …
For me hope is strengthened by a track record of His faithfulness in fulfilling promises. Precious verses He gave me this morning in Joshua 21 say it best: 43 And the Lord gave unto Israel all the land which he sware to give unto their fathers; and they possessed it, and dwelt therein.
44 And the Lord gave them rest round about, according to all that he sware unto their fathers: and there stood not a man of all their enemies before them; the Lord delivered all their enemies into their hand.
Author
Ah the promises of God — nothing better for renewing hope!
Beautiful quote and thought. Things that give me hope include God’s word and encouraging words from a friend in discouraging times. These realign my perspective and remind me my hope is, ultimately, in Jesus.
Author
Such good insight: How we need to realign our perspective when we lose sight of hope.
Jumping in the Word, listening to worshipful music. Always does it!
Author
Agreed, Jess, which is why I love to listen to praise and worship music when I’m struggling with my emotions and/or outlook.
From wanting to hand out embossed invitations to a Soiree du Pitie, to fighting envy with all the strength of a flu-ridden husband (“Pam, can you call my mom?”) I have not had the bestest week evahr.
Last night I actually used the word “bale” in a FB message. As in “Do I bale on this and…what?” WHY am I doing this to myself? I’m an earned Ph.D holder in Approval Sucking. Why do I want to be published? HAHAHAHA!!! Only crazy people do this to themselves.
Waves at everyone.
“They that WAIT on the Lord, shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall RUN and not be weary, they shall walk AND NOT FAINT”.
Have you ever seen a bald eagle take flight? You can hear the rush of air under their massive wings as they overcome gravity with their strength.
And you know, they don’t look down when they’re soaring up.
Author
🙂
No baling allowed, Jennifer.
No looking down.
Rest — now that is allowed.
Baling — never.
Ahh, thank you. That’s a great way to start the day.
A verse that has been my go-to many a time I feel hopelessness seeping in is this: Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Ps 73:25-26)
I like your Kingsolver quote, and I would add to that thanks be to Christ do I have the promise of a new dawn, whether it be another day here or in an eternity filled with endless, unimaginable joy.
Bless you, Beth! Glad & Rejoicing with you!
Author
Thanks for sharing your verse too, Camille. It’s such beautiful truth!
Some of the things that renew my sense of hope are, in no particular order: an encouraging word, a call/note/email from a friend, a bit of good news, singing songs in church with our rockin’ praise team, a hug from my husband, a purring cat at my side, a joyful time working out with my Curves buddies, a rainbow. . .
Author
Reading your list put a smile on my face, Keli.
What a good way for you and your husband to start out your morning. Think I might steal that… 🙂
It’s funny but sometimes something as simple as a good night of sleep can help renew my hope. Things always, or at least often, look so much better in the morning, don’t they? But also, encouraging words from family and friends, just the right Bible verse at just the right time…and a bubble bath. 🙂