Week of September 2, 2024
In a time filled with political fighting and polarization, accusations of evil, and predictions of a nation falling apart, we can easily find ourselves in despair or fear over the future. We are tempted to compromise our faith and to put hope and trust in human institutions. However, the overwhelming message from God’s Word for His people is one of hope and a bright future. He calls us to remember that our future truly lies in His wisdom, grace, and power.
Monday | Psalm 42
What causes your soul to be downcast these days? What fears are you dealing with and why? How does this Psalm speak to your concerns? How can you seek God more and remember His past goodness to fuel your hope and trust in Him?
Tuesday | I Corinthians 2:6-16
What is the wisdom of God that Paul is specifically referencing? How does the truth of wisdom in the crucified Christ, help us to trust in God during difficult times? Spend time asking God to help you to see more clearly, how He is at work in your life and through His church, and how you can be a part of sharing the hope and wisdom of God with others.
Wednesday | Jeremiah 29:4-14
In these words, God is specifically speaking to his chosen people conquered and exiled in Babylon. Today the church collective, followers of Jesus Christ are his chosen people. How do these words speak hope to us in troubled times? In what ways are Christians like “exiles” in a foreign land? What instructions from Jeremiah might we apply to our own lives?
Thursday | 1 Peter 3:8-17
Where does Peter encourage us to look for blessings in difficult times? Why are Christians tempted to look elsewhere for economic and physical blessings rather than trusting in God to provide? Peter suggests that Christians may be called to suffer sometimes, but we can suffer to the glory of God because of the hope we have in Him. List the ways we are called to live to God’s glory, even in difficult times.
Friday | Philippians 1:3-11, Psalm 138:7-8
Here we have a great promise that God is at work in us and through us according to his will and purpose. How has God called us to live in these days of division and frustration? What purpose do you have as one redeemed by Jesus Christ, and how will your eternal hope in Him motivate and empower you to live it out?
