COVID-19 has taken over the attention of the world. Fear, chaos, and frustration are everywhere. Quarantine was something that happened to other people until we learned a new term called social distancing.
The virus has its dangers but so does being quarantined. Isolation feeds loneliness and depression. What can we do? We can be intentional and turn our focus away from the coronavirus and acquire hope from verses in the Bible to steady our hearts.
When so much around us is uncertain we can anchor our soul with hope.
This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary (Hebrews 6:19, NLT).
What Is Hope
Many times, we think of hope as simply a wish. That it’s something weak. But true hope is strong.
Hebrews 11:1 in the King James Version says: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
But in the New International Version is says: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
In the one, faith is substance and in the other, it is confidence both come from hope.
One definition of hope is a feeling of trust. Hope is the precursor to faith.
Biblical hope is foundational to our faith.
Feed Your Hope on God’s Word
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18).
If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31b).
Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God (Psalm 42:11).
Hope for Protection
The Lord will keep you from all harm — he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore (Psalm 121:7-8).
But now, this is what the Lord says — he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze” (Isaiah 43:1-2).
Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.” But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain. I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side (Psalm 3:2-6).
You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word (Psalm 119:114).
Hope for Comfort
Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love (Psalm 33:18, ESV).
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” (Lamentations 3:24, BSB).
Hope for Direction
But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me (Micah 7:7).
Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long (Psalm 25:5).
Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off (Proverbs 23:18, NAS).
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).
Hope for Strength
Sustain me as You promised, that I may live; let me not be ashamed of my hope (Psalm 119:116, CSB).
Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord (Psalm 31:24).
Let us continue to hold firmly to the hope that we confess without wavering, for the one who made the promise is faithful (Hebrews 10:23, ISV).
Hope for Restoration
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint (Isaiah 40:31).
The hope of the righteous brings joy, (Proverbs 10:28a, ESV).
Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise (Jeremiah 17:14).
For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the LORD, (Jeremiah 30:17, ESV).
And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19, NLT).
Confident Hope
And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love (Romans 5:5, NLT).
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Danielle Bernock is an international, award-winning author, coach, and speaker who helps people embrace their value and heal their souls through the power of the love of God. She’s written Emerging With Wings, A Bird Named Payn, Love’s Manifesto, Because You Matter, and hosts the Victorious Souls Podcast. A long-time follower of Christ, Danielle lives with her husband in Michigan near her adult children and grandchildren. For more information or to connect with Danielle https://www.daniellebernock.com/
