I am beginning to feel the pressures of this week. There are some big events coming up at church that I need to be on top of. I have a Halloween costume to complete. And I am committed to putting a “Jesus loves YOU” sticker on each piece of candy that I will hand out this Friday night.

I have two Bible studies to lead between now and the weekend which requires prep. I have blog postings to write. There are the usual day-to-day items that need checked off my list: laundry, meal preparation, cleaning, etc. I am definitely under pressure.

But what I know in my heart is that it isn’t hopeless. I have hope in Jesus and with Him by my side, I know I can face any situation without being crushed by the pressure. Take a look at these verses and see if you can gain encouragement.

“And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” (Romans 5:5 – NIV)

“To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27 – NIV)

“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope.” (1 Timothy 1:1 – NIV)

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” (Hebrews 6:19a – NIV)

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” (1 Peter 1:3 – NIV)

When we place our hope in Jesus, we find great benefits. Unfailing love (Psalm 33:18), confidence in God (Psalm 71:5), God’s Word to point us to His hope (Psalm 119:81), God’s delight (Psalm 147:11), and boldness (2 Corinthians 3:12).

My little bit of pressure may be nothing compared to what you are facing. Perhaps you could use a good dose of hope this morning. If so, take God’s Word as truth and place your hope in Jesus. Believe the verses of Scripture above and hold tightly to their truth. What a blessed Savior we have to put our hope in!

And finally, one last passage. It’s one of my favorites because there have been many times in my life when I’ve felt just this way. I pray that God’s Word will fill you with hope this day. You will not be crushed, left to despair, abandoned, or destroyed. Not when your hope is in Jesus!

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.” (2 Corinthians 4:7-10 – NIV)

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna