Contagious Hope

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign Lord; I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone. Psalm 71:16

TODAY’S MESSAGE

David is clearly living hopefully, “As for me, I will always have hope…” (Psalm 71:14). Through the challenges of his youth and the unexpected trials of his senior years, he is truly a person whose life is characterized by hope. But he doesn’t stop there—he has contagious hope.

Hope is the opposite of despair. Hope says, “God, I believe you will be good to me in ways I cannot imagine.” Despair says, “I can’t even imagine a positive future.” Having contagious hope means we take our personal hopefulness (grounded in God’s goodness) and help the people around us experience that same hope. Notice the words the psalmist uses to describe his efforts, “…praise…proclaim…declare.” He’s serious about this! He’s experienced it, and he’s compelled to tell others.

Likewise, we too should be compelled to “declare” to friends, children and grandchildren the goodness and trustworthiness of God. For them to know that God is supremely reliable in time of need.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Each of us has someone who needs hope. Someone struggling with a chronic illness, a classmate who’s considered a loner or a buddy who can’t seem to find the job he needs. Today, identify that person and take the first step toward them. Give them a call, send a text or take them to lunch. Use your efforts to provide encouragement and hope.

Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.