There was a season in Job's life when, encompassed with trials so great it defies the imagination, he was consumed with hopelessness, sure that he'd never again see anything good. This great man of faith had become defeated by enemy onslaught, reduced by his calamities to being without hope.

There is nothing quite as dark as life without hope. Hope is the great motivator. Without it the heart becomes sick, the soul despairs, and the spirit is consumed.

Are you without hope tonight? Have the circumstances of your life overcome you? Are your burdens more than you can bear? Do you need a spark from the Holy Spirit to rekindle your faith and renew your hope? Hope is as near as the God Who lives within you, so don't despair but persevere in trust and love for God. He promises to reward your trust and patience by ultimately overcoming on your behalf.

"Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, Whose hope is in the LORD his God" (Psalm 146:5).

Remember, He is right by your side this moment. Tell Him of your need and feel a touch from Him. Draw hope from Him and from those around you who have hope for you when you've lost your own. Job's hope was gone when he looked at the bigness of his need instead of looking to the bigness of his God. Job's losses were restored when he once again admitted the sovereignty and goodness of God. This became his haven of hope, his doorway to help and happiness.

Heavenly Father, I recognize tonight that my hope and help can come only from You. I give You those problems and needs that have robbed me of my hope. I receive Your mercy and grace that can replace the darkness of this night with Your healing light. I receive Your help, accept Your love, and rest now because You are in control of my life. Thank you for new hope. In Jesus' Name, Amen.