“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).

Going to a resort is really nice. But why?

First, it’s a break from your usual routines and stresses. If you’re employed, it’s a break from work. If you’re in school, it’s a break from your studies.

But a second benefit is that you are surrounded by things which benefit you. The sun benefits you, the all-inclusive meals benefit you (plus, you don’t have to do the dishes), and the pool benefits you. The list goes on and on. Being surrounded by nice things make you feel nice.

In a similar way we need to surround ourselves with things which give us hope.

Hope doesn’t just happen. It’s a gift from God. And he shares it with us through specific practices.

-The Bible reminds us and grounds us in the promises of a loving and trustworthy God. 
-Prayer tethers us to a God who not only governs human history but who is in relationship with each one of us. 
-Weekly worship and family devotions are an invisible structure which provides encouragement, learning and a reminder of true priorities.
-Consistently serving others keeps you moving forward in the footsteps of Jesus, the author of our faith.

Some people feel stuck. Others feel like they might drown in the negativity around them. But just as a resort can make you feel nice because you’re surrounded with nice things, so can godly practices make you feel more hopeful because they ground you in the God of hope.

Sometimes you feel like you’re out of options, but with God you are never out of hope.

Let’s make daily choices which tether us to the God of hope.

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Notes and extra content:

—New post and podcast: “2 Tips for Personal Peace in a New Year.” The first is obvious, the second will need a bit of explanation. Click here, or find it on ‘The Pulse Podcast with Matthew Ruttan’ wherever you subscribe (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc).

–The Up Devotional is published 5 days a week (Monday-Friday) and returns on January 6, 2025.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.