“Hope cannot see, it only believes. Hope moves from trusting GOD’s capabilities, to resting in His character.” (Erica Wiggenhorn, First 5* study of Ruth)

“When we experience a long, dark season of deep suffering, it can create in us a sense of spiritual disorientation, for it can make us wonder where GOD is and why He isn’t helping. … When we can sing of GOD’s goodness while it is still yet dark, our song of praise becomes a prayer of hope.” (Denise J. Hughes, First 5 study of Ruth)

Even if we are not walking through a long season of suffering ourselves, we all know loved ones who are. I have been so grateful for First 5’s study of Ruth, pointing me to deeply touching and reassuring truths about courageous faith in the one true GOD.

He is worthy of our trust and our praise. When we remember the One in whom our confidence lies, we are greatly comforted and our strength is renewed. Our sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving offered to Him really can become prayers of stubborn HOPE!

“Even when things look anything but Divinely ordered, He is still there.” (Elizabeth Elliot)

Today’s breakfast psalm echoes the cry of our hearts as we shift from prayer to praise to hope! 🌿

𝘚𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘩,⁣
𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘮𝘦⁣
𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦.⁣
𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘨𝘰 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘢𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘎𝘖𝘋,⁣
𝘵𝘰 𝘎𝘖𝘋 – 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘺 𝘫𝘰𝘺.⁣
𝘞𝘩𝘺 𝘢𝘮 𝘐 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘥?⁣
𝘞𝘩𝘺 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘴𝘰 𝘴𝘢𝘥?⁣
𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘱𝘶𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘎𝘖𝘋!⁣
𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘱𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘏𝘪𝘮 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯 –⁣
𝘮𝘺 𝘚𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘎𝘖𝘋! ⁣
(𝐏𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐦 𝟒𝟑:𝟑-𝟓)

* First 5 is a daily Scripture reading and devotional series offered by Proverbs 31 Ministries.