I desperately need hope. Bucketfuls of encouragement. Loads of laughter, joy, and peace.

Just like you.

My natural bent is toward being pessimistic and melancholy. I wrestle often with fear and dread, waiting for the other shoe to drop. But that’s not how God asked me to live. He wants me to remember His Word:

• “I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” Psalm 27:13 NKJV
• “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6 NKJV
• “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for His is good! For His mercy endures forever.” I Chronicles 16:34 NKJV
• “I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles. Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness. Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy about your righteousness.” Psalm 145: 5-7 NLT

His Word is good and true and full of wisdom. As I immerse myself to study and remember scripture, my natural bent becomes hope-filled and my focus true. God has taken a person like me, prone to depression and fear, and molded me into a person of encouragement. I still struggle but have many more good days than bad. All because of God and His unfailing love and goodness.

I need hope.

I have hope.

All because of the Hope-Giver.

How about you? Does the Word of God help you when you struggle? Do you have a favorite scripture during dark days?