This month’s focus—Living Hope—explores the equipping, energizing, and enduring hope we have in Christ.

“Our hope is not based on the things of this world, but on the truth that Christ rose from the dead, and because He lives, we too will live forever with Him.”

Anne Graham Lotz. (2007). Wounded by God’s people: Discovering how God’s love heals our hearts. Thomas Nelson.

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. 
Psalm 31:24 NIV

March in Texas turns the hope of springtime into reality. Temperatures rise, grass grows greener, and live oaks shed old leaves as new buds emerge. Since rainfall is always a challenge in Central Texas we had our sprinkler system adjusted for maximum efficiency. We mainly use it to ensure our live oaks stay healthy during droughts, when stress makes them susceptible to disease. 

Our sprinkler guy did a fine job, but we needed to tweak the sprinkler heads to water the right areas and not waste water on places like the driveway or sidewalk. I spent more time than I desired, twisting nozzles for coverage and adjusting the little screw for distance. For all my efforts, they’d work fine for a few cycles, then revert back to their original settings—and I ended up soaked. Frustrated, I took a break, unsure of my next step—except to call the sprinkler guy for help.

Isn’t that how we are in our spiritual journey? Our Heavenly Father uses Scripture, spiritual mentors, pastors and teachers, family or friends, and even consequences to make adjustments in our lives. For a little while, we walk in His ways, doing what He desires. But before long, we slip back into our old ways. Like water wasted on the driveway or sidewalk, our time and efforts drain away fruitlessly. Things don’t turn out the way we hoped, and we wonder why. 

As we anticipate the beauty spring brings, let’s embrace the adjustments our Heavenly Father makes in our lives. Let’s allow the Master Gardner to realign us so He can nurture the growth He desires and produce the fruit He intends. Then we can stand strong and take heart, knowing things will turn out right—because we hope in Him.

Spiritual application 

1. What time and efforts in your life feels like water draining away without anything to show?
2. How has our Heavenly Father recently made adjustments in your heart, mind, and spirit?
3. Where have things turned out right, growth happened, or fruit produced, because you walked in the ways of your Heavenly Father?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You are my Living Hope. Through the truth of Christ’s resurrection, because He lives, I can be strong and encouraged. Reveal to me the areas in my life that deplete rather than replenish, that waste rather than restore, and that hinder rather than revive. Transform these areas into what you desire, your perfect plan. 

Journal prompt

Consider what it means to live with the hope of Christ. Reflect on the moments when you feel the tension between the brokenness of this world and the promise of new life in Him. In the space provided, write down areas where this living hope impacts your daily choices, how you can hold onto it in difficult times, then pray over them throughout the month.

Activity

Collect Scriptures, quotes, and images that reflect the living hope we have in Christ and—using posterboard—create a visual reminder: a Living Hope board. Use it to daily encourage your heart and to focus on the eternal promises of God, especially during challenging circumstances.

Some Scripture promises to consider:

• Numbers 23:19
• Psalm 32:8
• Isaiah 40:31
• John 14:27
• 1 John 4:9-10

Scriptures

Week 1

Thank you, our Heavenly Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, because in Your great mercy You gave _____ new life by raising Jesus Christ from death. This fills her with a living hope, and she looks forward to possessing the rich blessings that You keep for her in heaven, where they cannot decay or spoil or fade away.

From 1 Peter 1:3-4 NLT

Week 2

Heavenly Father, show _____ Your ways teach her your paths. Guide her in your truth and teach her, for you are her Savior, and her hope is in You all day long.

From Psalm 25:4-5 NIV

Week 3

Heavenly Father, You know the plans You have for _____. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give her a future and a hope. When she prays, You will listen.

From Jeremiah 29:10-11 TLB

Week 4

This is what it means for _____ to trust You, Heavenly Father. She will be sure about the things that she hopes for. She will be sure in her mind about things that she cannot even see.

From Hebrews 11:1 EASY

Week 5

Others may say You will not help _____, but You Heavenly Father are her shield, her glory, and her only hope. You alone can lift her head when hung in shame. When she cries out, You hear her from Your Holy Place.

From Psalm 3:2-4 TLB