Hope When You Feel Hopeless
Heart Happy
Audio By Carbonatix
I first embraced my faith in Jesus at the age of seventeen during an unexpected pregnancy. As a child, I knew and loved Him, but as a teenager, I was more interested in pursuing my desires. I wanted to enjoy my high school years and date freely. It took me years to realize that the guidelines in the Bible were not to restrict my fun but to shield me from heartbreak, shame, and numerous regrets. When I finally understood this, Jesus saved me in a profound, enduring way—freeing me from sin, fear, and worry and granting me a new heart and spirit. And I’m so thankful!
Life, however, always has challenges, even after we trust Jesus.
Difficult times remind us that sin still taints our world. When relationships fail, when loved ones receive hard diagnoses, and when adversity hits us on every side, it’s then that my trust starts to waver. “Lord, why?” I ask. “Why do things have to be so hard?” It’s okay to have questions, but it’s also important not to allow these questions to harden our hearts toward God.
That’s the thing about trust: it shines the brightest when we feel on the verge of losing hope.
If we could see what God is up to, is it trust? “God often works in the unseen,” says author Lysa TerKeurst. “Just because we can’t see or feel it doesn’t mean He isn’t working.” During times like this, a change is needed—not with what God is doing, but with our hearts. We need to remember that from the day we turned to Jesus in trust, He transformed our hearts of stone into hearts of flesh.
On that day of salvation, God filled us with His Spirit. Sometimes, we may not feel transformed, but we are. When we start to doubt the change, we must return to God’s Word and remember how our whispered prayer of surrender changed everything.
Being a child of God means we are still His child even when we don’t feel like it, which gives me hope.
Even when my heart feels distant and hardened, I am a new creation in Christ. And even when I feel forgotten, God is still actively working miracles in my life—in our lives.
Do you feel hopeless today?
Do life’s trials harden your heart? Do you doubt God’s care? Remember this: From the day you put your trust in Jesus, you are His, no matter your feelings.
In the Amplified translation, Ephesians 2:8 says, “For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God.” Take in the reality of this. Even though you still walk the earth, there is also the miraculous and mysterious reality of being seated with Christ in the heavenly realms. This perspective shifts us away from all that is going wrong. Instead, it gives us hope: for eternity and for now. When we allow it to sink deep, this truth can empower us to live victoriously through Christ.
As you navigate through the turbulence of life, hold tightly to the truth of your salvation.
The hardships and heartaches may cloud your view, but they do not alter the reality that you are deeply cherished and perpetually held by God. In moments of despair, when you question God’s presence or purpose, remember that His grace is both the anchor and the compass that guides you back to hope.
You are not alone in your struggles.
God is intricately involved in the unfolding story of your life, weaving your trials into triumphs. This journey isn’t just about enduring but thriving as you rediscover the strength that comes from your identity in Christ. Let this assurance resonate in your heart: despite the world’s chaos, you are secure, loved, and victorious in Jesus. Let this hope not just console you but invigorate you to live with courage, trusting that the same power that raised Christ from the dead is at work in you now and always.
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Weekly readings for the Daily Bible Podcast with Tricia and Michelle
May 13
Psalms 68-70
Psalms 86
Psalms 101
Embracing Integrity: A Journey Through Psalms
May 14
Psalms 103
Psalms 108-110
Psalms 122, 124
Discovering the Ever-Present God in the Psalms: A Journey Through David’s Hymns
Psalm 103, attributed to David, is a vibrant hymn of praise that invites us to marvel at God’s infinite kindness and mercy. In this Psalm, David exhorts his soul and all within him to bless the Lord and remember His good deeds—forgiving iniquities, healing diseases, redeeming lives from destruction, and crowning us with lovingkindness and tender mercies. This Psalm beautifully illustrates how God’s compassion and grace are not just historical facts but present realities.
Word of the Day – Present:
Existing or occurring now.
In Psalm 103:8, the scripture highlights, “The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.” It’s crucial to note that the term “LORD” in all caps translates to “Yahweh,” a name deeply rooted in God’s covenant with His people and His mighty acts of redemption.
Exploring the Names of God: Yahweh’s Presence
Understanding the significance of “Yahweh” enriches our reading of the Psalms. This name is a personal testament to God’s ongoing presence and action in our lives. It harkens back to the encounter between Moses and God at the burning bush, where God introduced Himself as “I Am,” signifying His eternal and unchanging nature.
Personal Reflection
Several years ago, I memorized Psalm 103 with a dear friend. Recalling these verses now, I am reminded that the attributes of God celebrated in these ancient texts—His compassion, patience, and readiness to forgive—are directed towards us in our current moments, not just in the past.
Deep Dive: The Contextual Power of Psalm 103
As we delve deeper, each verse of Psalm 103 brings us face to face with the heart of a God who is actively involved in our lives. He does not merely watch from afar; He steps into our situations, offering redemption and renewal.
Historical Echoes and Present Applications
This psalm does not only recount historical deeds but invites us to see God’s hand in our current experiences. It emphasizes that the same God who parted the Red Sea and guided Israel through the wilderness is present in our daily struggles, offering guidance, comfort, and protection.
Application #1: Viewing God as Present and Active
It’s easy to fall into the trap of seeing God as a distant figure, especially when facing personal challenges. Psalm 103 offers a refreshing reminder of God’s nature. He is not a remote deity; He is ‘Yahweh’, ever-present and actively involved in our lives.
Transformative Perspective
Ann Spangler, in her book Praying the Names of God, points out that when we pray to Yahweh, we are reaching out to a God who is as active and involved in our lives today as He was in biblical times. This recognition transforms how we view our relationship with Him—God is not only a figure of the past but a present reality who interacts with us every day.
Application #2: The Assurance of God’s Everlasting Presence
Scriptures reiterate God’s promise to never leave us or forsake us. This promise, seen from the enduring pledge in Deuteronomy to the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit mentioned by Jesus, assures us of God’s unending presence in our lives.
Cultural Reflections on ‘God Showed Up’
The phrase “God showed up” can sometimes seem to suggest that God’s presence is sporadic. However, what we often mean is that we became more aware of His omnipresence. God doesn’t come and go; He is continually with us, and our awareness of His presence can ebb and flow.
Encountering God in the Now
As we reflect on Psalm 103 and other writings of David, we’re reminded of the powerful, personal nature of God’s name—Yahweh. Each day, as we encounter various trials and triumphs, let us remember that God is not a relic of the past but a vibrant, present force in our lives, loving us and leading us with a shepherd’s care.
May 15
Psalms 131
Psalms 133
Psalms 138-141
Psalms 143
Discovering the Ever-Present God
in the Psalms
Welcome to our journey through some of the most poignant Psalms, where we uncover the themes of confidence, presence, and personal encounters with God. As we delve into these sacred texts, we seek to make the Bible engaging and exciting while ensuring our interpretations remain biblically accurate.
Psalm 131: Calm Confidence in the Lord
Embrace calm and quiet confidence before God. Psalm 131 is a compact yet profound call for humility and trust in God’s providence. David models the serene trust we should have in God, closing with a powerful invitation: “O Israel, put your hope in the Lord—now and always.” This reflects a personal takeaway of continual hope in God’s faithful presence, which is both comforting and empowering.
Psalms 133 & 134: Songs of Ascent
Celebrate the unity and blessing found in communal worship. As the people of Israel ascended to Jerusalem, Psalms 133 and 134 provided a soundtrack for their journey, emphasizing community and worship. Psalm 133:1 rejoices in the unity of believers, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” Psalm 134 extends this theme into the night, encouraging the faithful to lift their hands and bless the Lord. These Psalms remind us of the joy and strength derived from collective praise.
Psalm 138: Unfailing Love and Faithfulness
God’s unfailing love supports us in fulfilling His perfect plans for our lives. Psalm 138 is a declaration of God’s constant support through His unfailing love and faithfulness. David praises God, acknowledging His care and provision in every circumstance. This Psalm encourages us to recognize and rely on God’s faithful support and to respond with heartfelt worship and thanksgiving.
Psalm 139: Intimate Knowledge and Presence
God knows us completely and is intimately involved in every aspect of our lives. Psalm 139 celebrates God’s omnipresence and omniscience—His intimate knowledge of and care for us. From forming us in the womb to understanding our deepest thoughts, this Psalm reassures us that we are never beyond God’s loving reach. It encourages a response of awe and leads us towards living in light of His deep knowledge of us.
Psalm 140 & 141: Protection and Purity
Seek God’s protection and guidance to live a life of purity. David’s prayers in Psalms 140 and 141 focus on seeking God’s protection and leading a holy life. He asks God not only for safety from external enemies but also for purity of speech and actions. These Psalms encourage us to prioritize personal holiness and depend on God for defense and direction.
Psalm 143: A Prayer for Mercy and Guidance
Acknowledge personal failings and seek God’s mercy and guidance. In Psalm 143, David shows a profound humility and awareness of his own sinfulness, pleading for God’s mercy and guidance. This Psalm, often associated with Ash Wednesday, highlights the need for confession and the pursuit of righteousness. It challenges us to consider our own spiritual state and to seek God’s leading and purification.
Word of the Day: Presence
In general terms, presence means being present in a place or thing. In Biblical terms, it signifies a close, personal encounter with the Lord.
Personal Takeaways and Applications
Application #1: Embracing God’s Presence in All of Life
Reflect on God’s omnipresent nature as described in the Bible—from walking with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden to the indwelling Spirit in believers today. Psalm 139:12-14 especially highlights this, showing us that God’s presence illuminates even the darkest situations, ensuring we are never alone.
Application #2: Finding Peace in God’s Promises
Drawing from Philippians 4, alongside the example set by David in the Psalms, we are reminded to turn our worries into prayers and praises. By focusing on what is true, honorable, and praiseworthy, we allow God’s peace to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Join us as we continue to explore these themes in our Daily Bible Podcast. Let these ancient words inspire you today and lead you into a deeper understanding of God’s timeless presence and love.
May 16
Psalms 88-89
Psalms 144-145
Discovering the Everlasting God in the Psalms: A Deeper Dive
Today, we delve into Psalms 88 and 89, and other key scriptures that speak to the everlasting nature of God’s kingdom and presence.
Psalm 88: A Cry from the Depths
Psalm 88, believed to be written by Heman, is a poignant expression of deep affliction. Charles Spurgeon described it as a map of the writer’s dark journey through life, highlighting the earnestness of laying one’s deepest fears and sorrows before God. This psalm teaches us that true prayer involves opening up our most troubled thoughts and deepest sorrows to God, trusting Him to understand and respond.
Psalm 89: Singing of God’s Unfailing Love
Following the somber notes of Psalm 88, Psalm 89, penned by Ethan the Ezrahite, bursts forth with praises of God’s unfailing love and the promised dynasty of David. This psalm reassures us of God’s mighty power and His sovereign control over creation, celebrating His unmatched and awe-inspiring faithfulness.
Psalm 144 & 145: Praise for God the Rock
In Psalm 144, David describes God as his rock, highlighting the security and stability that comes from divine protection. This image of God as a rock continues into Psalm 145, which praises God for His everlasting kingdom and His gracious acts toward all who are downtrodden.
Word of the Day: Everlasting
“Everlasting” refers to that which lasts for an infinite duration, having no beginning and no end.
Exploring the Everlasting through Scripture
Application #1: God as the Everlasting King
From the promises given to David to the angel’s proclamation to Mary about Jesus, the Scriptures are rich with references to God’s everlasting dominion. This eternal rule is a cornerstone of our faith, ensuring that Jesus’s kingdom will never fade or fail.
Application #2: The Dual Reality of Everlasting
The concept of “everlasting” encompasses both glory and judgment. Daniel’s visions and prophecies remind us of the everlasting dominion that Christ holds, which will never be destroyed, and the everlasting life promised to those who believe. Conversely, they also warn of everlasting contempt and destruction for those who turn away from God’s laws.
This dual aspect of everlasting compels us to live in awareness of God’s encompassing justice and mercy, urging us to spread the knowledge of His kingdom to ensure others can share in His eternal promises.
Personal Takeaway: Embracing the Everlasting
Learning about God’s everlasting nature isn’t just an academic exercise—it’s a call to deeply consider our own place in His eternal plan. Recognizing that God’s kingdom is both a present reality and a future promise can transform how we live our daily lives, driving us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our eternal King.
Join us on the Daily Bible Podcast as we continue to explore these profound themes, and let the timeless truths of the Bible inspire and guide your journey with God.
May 17
Psalms 50
Psalms 73-74
Delving into Asaph’s Psalms: Discovering the Role of the Master
Today, we focus on Asaph’s contributions and the profound theme of “Master” that emerges in these texts.
Psalm 50: The Call for True Worship
Impact Statement: God, the righteous judge, calls for sincerity in our worship and thankfulness.
In Psalm 50, Asaph sets a vivid scene of God coming forth amidst fire and tempest to judge His people. While they have kept His laws, they’ve lacked gratitude and sincerity. This psalm reminds us that God desires more than rote obedience; He seeks a relationship founded on thankfulness and genuine devotion.
Psalm 73: Finding Ultimate Desire in God
Impact Statement: True peace comes from recognizing God as our ultimate desire and Master.
Psalm 73 by Asaph expresses a transformative spiritual journey from envy at the wicked’s prosperity to a profound understanding of God’s sufficient and sustaining presence. Asaph concludes that nothing on earth or in heaven can compare to God, reinforcing the peace that comes from this realization.
Psalm 74: A Lament Over Destruction
Impact Statement: In times of loss and confusion, turning to God as our Master can guide and sustain us.
Psalm 74 articulates the anguish over the destruction of the Temple, believed by some to be a prophetic or retrospective contemplation by Asaph. It serves as a poignant plea for God to remember His people in times of distress, emphasizing a longing for divine intervention and justice.
Word of the Day: Master
“Master” in Biblical terms emphasizes authority and leadership. It represents a relationship of guidance, protection, and accountability.
Exploring the Concept of Master in Our Lives
Application #1: The Peace of Acknowledging God as Master
Recognizing God as our Master isn’t about subservience but about finding true peace and direction in His sovereign will. When we accept God as the ultimate authority, we gain a moral framework and clarity that guide our daily living. This acknowledgment allows us to experience the calm that comes from divine guidance and the security of His protective oversight.
In Psalm 73, Asaph uses several names of God that deepen our understanding of His nature as our Master:
- Elōhīm (The Living Word): Emphasizes God’s creative and sustaining power.
- Adonai (Greatest Above All Things): Reflects Lordship and sovereignty.
- Yehōvih (THE FATHER): Personalizes His care and authority over us.
Application #2: Embracing God’s Total Possession and Our Total Submission
The term “Master” brings depth to our relationship with God, encouraging a respect and reverence that acknowledges His total possession of our lives and our willing submission to His guidance. This relationship is evident in the way Jesus’ disciples, and even strangers like the ten lepers, recognized and addressed Him as Master, acknowledging His authority and divine identity.
Jesus Himself emphasized the impossibility of serving two masters (Matthew 6:24), teaching that our devotion cannot be divided. This principle challenges us to evaluate our loyalties and to prioritize our spiritual commitment over worldly concerns.
Personal Takeaway: The Great Exchange
Seeing God as our Master is part of “the great exchange”—offering all that we are for all that He is. This perspective not only provides a foundation for moral living but also assures us of God’s compassionate rulership. As Master, God isn’t a distant authoritarian figure but a loving Father who guides and nurtures our paths.
Join us on the Daily Bible Podcast as we continue to explore these themes and let the timeless truths of the Bible inspire and guide your journey with God. Engage with us, learn with us, and deepen your understanding of what it means to live under the Master’s care.
May 18
Psalms 75-78
Exploring Asaph’s Psalms: The Power of Unfailing Love
Today we’re diving deep into the emotional and spiritual landscapes of Asaph’s Psalms. Our journey through these texts uncovers the steadfast and unfailing nature of God’s love, a theme that resonates with timeless relevance.
Psalm 75: The Call for Humility and Worship
Psalm 75, set to the tune “Do Not Destroy,” begins with an exhortation to give thanks—a fitting start that frames the rest of the Psalm’s message about judgment and humility. Asaph warns the wicked against arrogance and defiance, reminding us that elevation comes from God alone. This Psalm encourages us to live in humility and proclaim the deeds of a just God.
Psalm 76: Thanksgiving for God’s Deliverance
Believed to be composed after a significant victory, Psalm 76 praises God’s awe-inspiring acts and His ultimate authority over earthly rulers. This hymn of thanksgiving serves as a reminder of God’s ability to deliver and sustain His people, encouraging us to honor Him in reverence and awe.
Psalm 77: Wrestling with Doubt and Remembering God’s Deeds
Psalm 77 portrays a vivid struggle between doubt and faith. Asaph, through his despair, makes a deliberate effort to remember the mighty deeds of God, particularly the redemption of Jacob and Joseph. This reflection shifts his perspective, allowing him to sing in the darkest times and see light in all circumstances.
Psalm 78: A Call to Remember and Teach
This teaching Psalm emphasizes the importance of recounting God’s works and laws to children, ensuring that even those yet unborn will learn of His faithfulness and guidance. Asaph uses the history of Israel to illustrate the consequences of forgetfulness and the rewards of obedience.
Word of the Day: Unfailing
Unfailing means something that is constant, dependable, and endless, much like God’s love for us.
Applications of Unfailing Love in Daily Life
Application #1: The Legacy of Faithfulness
Deuteronomy 4:9 calls us to never forget the deeds we have witnessed from God and to ensure these memories are passed down through generations. This passage highlights the importance of storytelling as a tool for preserving faith and building trust in God’s unfailing love.
Personal Insight: Just as we reassure our children of our love through stories of past faithfulness, we must continually remind ourselves of God’s steadfast presence in our lives, even when His love feels distant.
Application #2: Morning Reminders of God’s Love
Psalms and the major prophets are rich with references to God’s unfailing love, which is not shaken even when the world seems unstable. These scriptures encourage us to start each day by reminding ourselves of this steadfast love, which guides and protects us.
Takeaways:
- Share and Reflect: Regularly share stories of God’s faithfulness to inspire and reinforce trust among family and community.
- Embrace and Trust: Actively embrace God’s unfailing love, especially in times of personal turmoil or when feeling spiritually distant.
- Teach and Live: Teaching our children about God’s love isn’t just about words; it’s about showing them through our actions and choices that we truly believe in His goodness and mercy.
Join us on the Daily Bible Podcast as we explore these themes further and let the ancient yet ever-relevant words of the Bible inspire and guide your journey with God. Engage with us, learn with us, and deepen your understanding of what it means to live enveloped in God’s unfailing love.
May 19
Psalms 79-82
Finding Compassion in the Psalms:
A Journey Through Asaph’s Prayers
Welcome to our blog, where we accompany the Daily Bible Podcast to delve deeper into the biblical texts and uncover the layers of meaning within. Today, we explore the theme of divine compassion as expressed in several Psalms. These ancient songs offer profound insights into the nature of God’s mercy and our response to it.
Psalm 79: A Cry for Deliverance
Psalm 79 captures the anguish of the Israelites as Jerusalem lies in ruins. The psalmist pleads for God’s intervention—not just for restoration, but also for forgiveness. This lament highlights a crucial aspect of compassion: it is deeply intertwined with the desire for both deliverance and reconciliation.
Psalm 80: The Shepherd’s Guidance
In Psalm 80, the psalmist calls upon the Shepherd of Israel to lead His people back to safety and prosperity. The imagery of God as a shepherd underscores His ongoing care and commitment to guide and protect, a testament to His gentle and compassionate nature.
Psalm 81: The Call to Obedience
Psalm 81 reflects on God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt, highlighting the continuous cycle of God’s saving actions and the people’s recurrent disobedience. The psalm serves as a reminder that compassion is not only about receiving God’s blessings but also responding to Him through faithful obedience.
Psalm 82: Justice and Sovereignty
Set in a heavenly courtroom, Psalm 82 depicts God among the “gods,” dispensing justice and asserting His ultimate authority over the earth. This psalm emphasizes that true compassion involves rectifying wrongs and ensuring justice, showcasing God’s role as the just and compassionate judge.
Word of the Day: Compassion
Compassion: To empathize with someone who is suffering and to feel compelled to reduce that suffering.
Applications of Compassion
Application #1: Divine Compassion Calls for Human Response
The stories within these Psalms not only demonstrate God’s readiness to act in compassion but also call for a human response. Whether it’s through repentance, obedience, or calls for justice, we are invited to participate in the divine narrative by aligning our actions with God’s compassionate will.
Application #2: Embracing God’s Compassionate Yoke
Reflecting on God’s compassion leads us directly to the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, who invites us to take His yoke upon us. This metaphor suggests that living under God’s guidance—His “yoke”—is not burdensome but a source of rest and peace for our souls, embodying the ultimate expression of compassion.
Personal Takeaway: Walking in Compassion
The journey through these Psalms teaches us that to truly understand and receive God’s compassion, we must also be willing to walk in His ways. As we align our lives with His commands and follow the path of Jesus, we not only experience His mercy and kindness but also become conduits of His compassion to the world around us.
Join us on the Daily Bible Podcast as we explore these themes further and let the ancient, yet ever-relevant words of the Bible inspire and guide your journey with God. Engage with us, learn with us, and deepen your understanding of what it means to live enveloped in God’s unfailing love and compassion.
