“And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” Romans 5:5 (NIV)

Friend, I know all too well that around this time of year, we can feel the ache of the things that haven’t changed since last year. Maybe we said, “This time next year, everything will be different” — but now that it’s here, it doesn’t seem like anything has changed.

I’ve been there, and it stings. Especially when we've tried to remain hopeful, only to get disappointed … again.

Today’s key Bible verse says “hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us” (Romans 5:5).

So why are we afraid of hoping?

I don’t know about you, but for me, it’s because I’ve been hurt and let down. It’s made me want to quit getting excited. I’m tired of thinking things are too good to be true, only to be proven right.

But that’s not how I want to live. I want to live like God’s love has been poured into my heart.

So what’s the worst that could happen if you and I got our hopes up? The reality is we're almost guaranteed to be disappointed again eventually. But we get to choose whether to guard ourselves from potential heartbreaks and letdowns or open ourselves to the possibility of God doing something miraculous.

It’s OK to admit your current situation isn’t what you expected or wanted. I don’t want you to lose hope though. A lot can change in a year, but a lot can also change in a day. What if it all changes soon? How would you live differently?

My charge to you and to myself today is this: Get your hopes up. God has proven over and over again that we can put our hope in Him. Not in our circumstances or outcomes of our own making but in Him alone. May we also be the kind of people who point others to that same hope.

God has not forgotten you or left you; He is still working in your life, even when it doesn’t feel like it. In the meantime, don’t miss what’s right in front of you. God’s goodness is here, not just out there.

Keep praying.
Keep believing.
Keep hoping.

Because, if anything, this time of year also reminds us that God has sent us Jesus, and “all the promises of God find their Yes in him” (2 Corinthians 1:20a, ESV). Together, we can celebrate that.

God, I confess I am afraid to get my hopes up because I am afraid of being disappointed again. Your Word says hope in Christ will never put me to shame. Help me to put my hope in You alone and to remember that You sent Jesus as the fulfillment of all Your promises. In the meantime, show me how to keep trusting in You even when life hasn’t turned out like I thought it would. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

Even when we’re facing hard circumstances, the smallest amount of gratitude has the power to change our day. With so much darkness around us, finding the light can be tough. But what if gratitude is one of the tools that leads to seeing more of God’s light? To help you on your journey, we’ve put together a new study called Light of the World: 20 Scriptures for When You Can’t See Through the Darkness in our FREE First 5 mobile app. By creating an account today and joining us, you’ll explore how these scriptures can lift your spirit and help you express gratitude in every season. Get the First 5 app.

The pressure of unmet milestones and unfulfilled dreams can make you feel like you’ve already missed out on the life you were “supposed” to have. But you don't have to exhaust yourself by trying to keep up to enjoy what's right in front of you. Meghan Ryan Asbury’s book, You Are Not Behind: Building a Life You Love Without Having Everything You Want, will teach you to grieve the hard, celebrate the good, and embrace the in-between of where you are and where you want to be. Click here to order your copy today!

ENGAGE

Connect daily with Meghan on Instagram @meghanryanasbury for biblical encouragement and practical ways to grow in your faith. And don’t miss opportunities to get free resources and more tools to help you build a life you love through her weekly newsletter at alwaysmeghan.com.

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Isaiah 40:31, “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” (NIV).

Romans 15:13, “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” (NIV).

What do you think is the hardest part about hoping?

How does knowing that God has kept His promises by sending Jesus encourage you to keep hoping in Him? Share with us in the comments!

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