“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” - Isaiah 40:31 NIV
We can never downplay the power hope wields in our ability to endure the unbearable, and the devastating impact its absence has, threatening our very survival and our determination to endure in the hardest of days.
We can regard hope as a little lift to the spirit, especially when we're at our wits' end; it’s a much-needed comfort, helping us make it through the daily fights we face just to get by. But how do we actually hang on to hope when things feel bleak, when the odds look grim, especially when the weight we've been carrying stretches on for months or even years? Faith in His promises…that’s the key. Faith and hope go together. You can’t separate one from the other. The stronger your faith, the bigger the hope. We have witnessed time and again how faithful God truly is. In all the years you’ve been alive, you can surely recall those times when God has kept His promises, recalling those painful seasons that came and went, quite puzzled about how you even got through them. It is by His faithfulness that we’re not consumed, not wrecked by life’s erratic ups and downs. And having kept His promises time and again makes our faith grow deeper and our hope stretch further than we think possible.
Hope also expands as we let His Word sink deeper into us, immersing ourselves in His truth, because the moment God’s Word takes up space in our thoughts, hope begins to grow inside us. The wisdom found in His Word helps change our mindset, shedding light on what had once been dark, on what had once been stripped of hope; for His Word holds power; it reshapes the lens through which we see things, allowing us to focus on His truth, on His promises rather than on the weight of our troubles. Thus, hope grows, and quite briskly at that.
On the other hand, the moment we allow the last bit of hope to fade, we will slowly wither and fade away. That’s why God’s Word is our vital link to life; His Word breathes hope into our circumstances, bringing life back into every corner of our lives. Jesus Himself reminded us of this truth, “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every Word that comes from the mouth of God.”
"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." - Isaiah 26:3 NIV
How does reading God’s Word help renew your sense of hope in the midst of hardship?
Let’s pray…
Father,
I humble myself before You, seeking Your help and mercy as I go through these difficult challenges, and I could barely carry on my own. I’ve been dealing with one struggle after another, but Father, I’m not one to surrender because I have You, my Anchor, my Hope. You are the God who has carried me through all the difficult seasons of my life, and I know You will show up for me again. I trust that You’ll come for me, here by my side, to see me through as You have so many times before.
I will continue to hold Your promises close to my heart. I will never allow my pain to pull my eyes away from what You have promised me, and I will always remember how You have saved my life and stepped in for me when I needed You the most. Calling to remembrance the kindness you’ve shown me nourishes my faith and keeps hope alive in me. You are my Hope, and in You I can be still…in You, my soul can rest. And once I finally emerge from this suffering, I pray that You, oh Lord, make something beautiful out of it, all for Your glory.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
What truth from today’s devotional is God using to encourage your heart? Share your reflection and join our conversation in the iBelieve Truth Devotional Forum.
Feel like digging a little deeper? Here is a wonderful resource to meet you right where you are. 5 Comforting Psalms for When We Worry: A Guided Reflection Journal
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Anita Kot
Related Resource: The Blind Spots Hurting Your Relationships
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Debra shares practical wisdom on how to grow in self-awareness, strengthen communication, and take ownership of the ways we impact the people we love. Whether you’re dating, married, leading others, or simply wanting healthier relationships, this episode offers hope-filled tools to help you break unhealthy cycles and build deeper connection.
If you’ve ever wondered why relationships can feel harder than they should—or how to become a healthier version of yourself—this conversation is for you. Like what you hear? Be sure to follow I Wish You Could Hear This on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
Like what you hear? Be sure to follow I Wish You Could Hear This on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
Originally published Monday, 09 November 2026.
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