The God of Hope

This fall our writers will be focusing on scriptures of Hope. Join us in our practice of Lectio Divina with the scriptures presented.

Listen:

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)

Reflect:

Be Grateful–Past, Savor–Present, Hope–Future (one of my “mottos”)

Be grateful for the past (Ps 103:2) – never forget His benefits!

Savor the present – for what God is doing in and through you, what God is doing in Nature, His Creation

“Here’s a suggestion for you today… stop. Gaze at something God has created. Take in its shape and form, its color, its movement, its intricacies… Gaze at something long enough until you can see through it to its source: God – so majestic and infinitely creative, and miraculously generous ..”—Br. Curtis AlmquistSociety of Saint John the Evangelist

And Look to the future with hope because our God is THE GOD OF HOPE.

“In an age, and a world… marked by bitterness, division, suspicion, and even hatred, we are all desperate for that gift which changes lives. The promise of Jesus, known to Paul… is the promise of hope. Today, the world needs hope. Clinging closely to Jesus, you and I can be people of hope, and when we are, we can change the world.”—Br. James Koester, SSJE

Questions to Ponder:

• In the past what hope has God given me and how can I remember it more? 
• Presently, what is God giving me and how does that affect my hope for the future? 
• When I hope for the future, where is my hope found? What do I hope in?

Prayer of Response:

“Lord Jesus, today may we remember our hope is based on you:  the GOD OF HOPE who gives us all JOY and PEACE so we all may OVERFLOW with your hope. Amen.”

—Submitted by: Patty Jehle
Patty Jehle, MA, is a US/Swiss citizen who has been living in Switzerland for almost 30 years; she is married to Patrik and has three adult children.  She’s currently a lecturer at the FHNW in Brugg, is a certified spiritual director, and is a certified business coach and supervisor with her own business.  She attended the first LSM in France and helped with the LSM-Zürich.