Truth:

But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.
1 Thessalonians 5:8 (New International Version)

Thought:

The helmet of salvation protects our mind and 1 Thessalonians 5:8 tells us our mind represents hope. Faith is the substance of things hoped for (Hebrews 11:1) and so real hope can only be built on faith.

Hope is a quiet expectation of the fulfillment of God’s promises. In a sense it is continuous optimism. Hope that is built on faith and negativity can’t exist together.

If we believe Romans 8:28, then there is no reason for pessimism, self-pity, doubt, or mistrust …we are saved by hope.

Hopelessness is the condition of those away from God. It should never be the condition of the Christian because “Christ in us is the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27).

Hope is an essential part of our Salvation experience. When we have Hope, we are anchored. Hope is optimism.

Hope needs to be seen and so it requires some response to the faith on which it is built. Are you trusting God to be true to His word? Take Psalm 34:19 as an example:

The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.

Are you needing Him to come to the rescue?  Then respond to promise in scripture with praise. It shows the hope that you have.

Prayer:

Lord, I am so thankful it is not my righteousness that allows me to stand before You and be called Your child. It is Your righteousness that makes me right in the Father’s eyes. Thank You Lord, I have never seen the righteous forsaken or the children of the righteous begging for bread. Thank You for being our provider. Thank you for You own the cattle on a thousand hills.  You are Good and don’t give Your children a serpent when we need a fish or a rock when we need bread. Thank You for being trustworthy. Thank You for being worthy.

Challenge:

Take some time today to praise God no matter your situation. Praise Him especially if you don’t feel like it.  Praise Him for who He is. Praise Him for what He’s done. Praise Him for what He’s promised.

Declaration:

I choose to put on the full armor of God. I put on truth. I put on righteousness. I put on peace. I put on faith. I put on salvation. And I choose to learn to use the word of God with great power and in love.