The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish. – Proverbs 10:28
A crisis of confidence occurred in America during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of mandated lockdowns, many people lost interpersonal connections. Joyful times like birthday parties, weddings, and graduations were canceled or postponed. People felt imprisoned by prohibitions against standing near or visiting with others. Supermarkets had markers on the floor to ensure social distances were maintained. Some reported feelings of being a non-person, purposeless, and without hope. Everyone longed for the day it would be over.
Professor Lucy Easthope, author of When the Dust Settles, wrote, “Disasters shake your confidence. … The sense of self is shaken.” Many have had a difficult time recovering from the implications of the pandemic, with hope seeming fragile and uncertain as some are concerned over what could happen “the next time.“ In the darkest moments, God desires His people to truly understand and value hope. Theologian Charles Spurgeon said, “Hope itself is like a star—not to be seen in the sunshine of prosperity, and only to be discovered in the night of adversity.”
When your hope is based on the unchanging character and promises of God, you receive the wherewithal to overcome any dark circumstance. Truly trusting Him in everything, waiting for His perfect timing, and believing in His power to transform anything brings you hope that fills your life with a deep, settled joy. Pray for your fellow believers who may be struggling to fully trust God and His perfect will for their lives.
Today’s Verse: Proverbs 10:28
The hope of the righteous brings joy,
but the expectation of the wicked will perish.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Psalm 62:5-12
For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,
for my hope is from him.
6 He only is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
7 On God rests my salvation and my glory;
my mighty rock, my refuge is God.
8 Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us. Selah
9 Those of low estate are but a breath;
those of high estate are a delusion;
in the balances they go up;
they are together lighter than a breath.
10 Put no trust in extortion;
set no vain hopes on robbery;
if riches increase, set not your heart on them.
11 Once God has spoken;
twice have I heard this:
that power belongs to God,
12 and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love.
For you will render to a man
according to his work.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
