READ: PSALM 107; ROMANS 5:1-10; 15:1-13

Our world is constantly changing, and our individual lives are no different. At any given moment, the most mundane of days can be altered by some life-changing event. When change is inevitable, and happy days are not a guarantee, where do we look for hope?

The apostle Paul was well acquainted with massive life changes and plenty of brutal trials. But in his letter to the church in Rome, Paul talks about our source of hope. He reminds the Roman believers that the law was never enough to save us from sin—God’s plan was always to send His Son to save both Jews and Gentiles, everyone who calls upon His name (10:9-13).

Paul reviews the history of the Jews: the depravity of people’s hearts, the dark hold of sin, the need for a Savior. Through all the people’s disobedience, God remained faithful to His promises—and these promises are fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Hope will never disappoint us when the foundation of our hope is Jesus—because He died and rose again to save us (5:5). He alone can give us the endurance and encouragement required to navigate the ever-changing seas of life. He has given us His Word to guide us. As we read the Bible, His Holy Spirit will use these words to teach us, provide us with the endurance we need, and fill us with encouragement (15:4).

Just look at the Old Testament—it’s full of “hopeless situation stories.” Psalm 107, for example, reminds us of God’s faithfulness as His people were constantly turning from Him, receiving His discipline, then tasting His mercy and love as He drew their hearts back to Himself. This psalm is a beautiful picture of God’s heart for humanity. No matter how many times we are faithless, God remains faithful to us (2 Timothy 2:13). His love is unfailing.

God promises to fill us with joy and peace as we trust in Him; He has given us His Holy Spirit to fill our hearts to the brim with overflowing, ceaseless hope (Romans 15:13). • Savannah Coleman

• What situations look hopeless to you right now? Remember, in every disappointment and every difficulty, Jesus is with us. He promises to help us—and one day He will make all things new.

• In Psalm 119:147, the writer rises early to spend time in God’s Word, confident that this is where hope is found. Psalm 130:5 talks about waiting on the Lord while placing our hope in His Word. In Psalm 52:9, David writes about placing his hope in the good name of God. What Scripture can you meditate on today to remind your heart of the unfading hope we have?

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. Romans 15:4 (NIV)