Hope is our Superpower

Black lives matter. We’re continuing to begin every devotional with these words as our prayer. What emotions fill you as you offer this prayer to God? Black lives matter.

Today, we’re going to meditate on the connection between hope and justice. Would you read over this short collection of quotes and scripture slowly, taking time to notice your emotions and your questions? Where are you looking for hope these days? How deep are the roots of your hope? What would help them grow deeper still? Talk with Jesus about these things.

The Lord is known by his acts of justice;
    the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands.
The wicked go down to the realm of the dead,
    all the nations that forget God.
But God will never forget the needy;
    the hope of the afflicted will never perish.

Psalm 9:16-18

If we take time to listen to this nation’s wounds, they tell us where to look for hope. The hope is in the mourning and the screams, which make us want to rush from this place. There is a sense in which, right now, we must refuse to be comforted too quickly. Only if these screams and tears and protests shake the very conscience of this nation—and until there is real political and judicial repentance—can we hope for a better society on the other side of this. - Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, Co-Chair, Poor People’s Campaign (read his full pastoral letter to the nation HERE)

Why do you complain, Jacob?
    Why do you say, Israel,
“My way is hidden from the Lord;
    my cause is disregarded by my God”?…

He gives strength to the weary
    and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
    and young men stumble and fall;
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 28-31

We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers.  We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. - 1 Thess. 1:2-3

“Hope is your superpower. Don’t let anybody or anything make you hopeless. Hope is the enemy of injustice. Hope is what will get you to stand up when people tell you to sit down.” - Bryan Stevenson, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative (you can watch Just Mercy, the powerful movie illustrating Bryan’s work, FOR FREE all June & consider making a donation)