As I review scriptures that reference the word hope, it seems that most are tied to hardship, patience, or injustice. Ugh…..

Maybe it’s a reality check that life won’t always be a flowery bed of ease. Maybe it’s a reminder to look beyond what I can see towards someone greater. Maybe it’s an exercise to transform a sour attitude into positive thinking. Maybe it’s test to measure my ability to yield to God’s plan. I vote for all of the above.

Psalm 71:13-14 says this, "But I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more. My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness and Your salvation all the day, for I do not know their limits."

Today’s verse helps me to understand hope realized.

I’ve realized that when I focus on praising God, giving Him glory, and telling others of His goodness, the weight of circumstances seem to diminish. I’ve noticed how when I take initiative to encourage others in the midst of my challenges the world seems a bit brighter.

I've realized that hope is a position—a posture. Hope puts me in position to focus on God. Hope causes the posture of my mind, body, and soul to be aligned with God.

I've realized that hope is eternal—faith based. Hope stretches beyond my present existence into a world beyond my wildest imagination.

I See ME as Hopeful…. I've realized that my hope in God is continual!