😊☀️👋🏻 Good morning, friend!

As we close out the week, I want to talk about the comfort and peace that comes from knowing we are sheltered by God. Life can be unpredictable and, at times, overwhelming, but the assurance of His protection allows us to rest in His care.

Today’s passage, part of the beautiful Psalm 91, invites us to trust God as our refuge and fortress. Let’s take a moment to reflect on His promises of protection and presence.

🙏 HUMBLE

Begin this time pondering the following questions:

1. What are you thankful for today?

2. What burdens, fears, or areas of sin do you need to release to God today?

Now, let’s ask God to help us find HOPE in Him today:

“Lord, open my heart and mind to Your Word today. Help me to see the hope You have for me in these pages. Shine Your light on every truth, and guide me to understand, trust, and apply what You reveal. May Your presence transform my heart and fill me with the hope only You can give. Amen.”

📖 OBSERVE

Now, let’s observe what God has to say in His Word:

Today's Readings:
READ: Psalm 91:9-16

Today's Devotional:
Psalm 91 paints a vivid picture of God’s protective care for those who trust in Him. It promises safety for those who make the Lord their refuge, assuring us that no harm will overtake us and no disaster will come near. While life isn’t free from challenges, this psalm reminds us that God is with us in every trial, shielding us and giving us strength.

What stands out is the deeply personal nature of God’s protection. Verses 14-16 record God’s words: “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name.” These promises are grounded in relationship. God’s care isn’t distant or impersonal—it’s rooted in His deep love for us as His children.

This passage also teaches us about the enemy’s schemes. Satan quoted part of this psalm during Jesus’ temptation, twisting its meaning to suggest that God’s protection could be manipulated. But Jesus saw through the lie and responded with truth: we don’t test God’s faithfulness; we trust it.

What does this reveal about God? It shows His unwavering commitment to those who trust Him. His protection doesn’t mean we’ll never face difficulties, but it does mean that He will be our refuge in the storm. His presence gives us strength to endure and peace that surpasses understanding.

It also reminds us of our part in this relationship. God’s promises are for those who love Him and trust in His name. Trust isn’t passive—it’s an active choice to place our confidence in God, even when circumstances are uncertain.

As you reflect on this psalm, consider where you might need to trust God’s protection more fully. Are there fears or uncertainties you’re holding onto? Let them go, and rest in the assurance that He is your refuge and fortress. No matter what you’re facing, He is with you, faithful and unshakable.

Reflection Questions:

1. What stood out to you from these passages?

2. What does this teach us about God, His character, and what He does?

3. What does this teach us about people, including yourself?

💡 PERSONALIZE

Now to make this personal in your life, consider this question:

What is one area where God is encouraging you to grow or change?

📢 MY #HOPEDECLARATION

Create your own declaration of hope today!

“Today I will _______________________ because of Jesus Christ!”

Snap a pic of your #HopeDeclaration and share it on Social Media!

❤️ ENGAGE

1. Who in your life would benefit from hearing what you’ve learned today?

2. What practical way can you use what you’ve learned today to bless or serve someone?

🙏 STOP AND PRAY: 

Take a moment to pray through everything God has revealed and done in your heart today:

1. Thank God for His blessings.

   • Praise Him for what you were thankful for earlier. Reflect on His faithfulness, provision, and the ways He’s been present in your life.

2. Surrender your burdens, fears, and sins to Him.

   • Lay down the stresses or struggles weighing on your heart today. Trust Him to carry what you cannot.

   • Confess any sins, and receive His forgiveness and grace to walk in His ways.

3. Thank Him for what He has revealed today.

   • Praise Him for what you’ve learned about His character and work.

   • Acknowledge what He has shown you about yourself—whether it’s encouragement, conviction, or an area where He’s calling you to grow.

4. Ask for strength and guidance to obey.

   • Pray for His power to live out what He’s taught you today.

   • Surrender your #HopeDeclaration, asking for His Spirit to enable you to live it out in a way that brings Him glory.

5. Pray for boldness to share God’s Word.

   • Ask God to open doors for you to share today’s passage or truth with someone.

   • Pray for courage to engage someone in conversation about God, asking if they are interested in the things of God.

   • If they are, pray for boldness to invite them to study the Bible with you.

   • Ask God for a vision to multiply disciples and for His Spirit to guide you in this mission.

Take your time, and let this be a moment of deep connection with God. Trust Him to fill you with His peace, empower you to obey, and give you boldness to share His truth with others today.

✨ READY TO GO DEEPER?

Take a few moments to reflect on today’s insights and how they apply to your journey. Use your Daily HOPE Journal to capture your thoughts, prayers, and commitments, and watch your relationship with God grow deeper each day.

Don’t have a journal yet? Grab yours here and start your journey.

❤️ SPREAD THE HOPE, GET A DIGITAL JOURNAL!

Your impact is just beginning! Every share spreads hope and brings more people into this journey of encouragement. Keep sharing to unlock your next exclusive reward and help build a stronger, hope-filled community. Click below to keep the momentum going!

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💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION: 

We’d love to hear from you! To stay committed, reply to this email or head over to the comments section on today’s post to share your #HopeDeclaration. Let’s encourage each other in this journey!

🎧 LISTEN TO THE PODCAST: 

Want to go deeper? Listen to this week’s True Hope Collective Podcast episode.

⛪️ WHY NOT VISIT US IN PERSON?

We’d love to see you at Mountainside Community Bible Church! Join us for worship and a welcoming community every Sunday at 10 AM. Plan your visit below—we can’t wait to meet you!