This time last year I was vision boarding. A couple of friends and I gathered magazines, art supplies, poster boards, and made vision boards capturing our hopes and dreams for the upcoming year.

Then 2020 happened. I thought I would be reading more books and travelling to places unknown, instead I was homeschooling my children and quarantining. This year was hard. I have been stretched but not in the ways I had envisioned. I have cried, been angry, and even panicked. Many times, my hope waned. But Scripture reminds us that hope isn’t found in a situation, it is found in a person.

“May God, the source of hope, fill you with all joy and peace by means of your faith in him, so that your hope will continue to grow by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13 (GNT)

Jesus is our hope! He wants to bring hope to seemingly hopeless situations. Jesus can bring what was darkened back to light. If you’re struggling to feel hopeful about the new year, turn to Jesus. He is the source of hope. Even after a challenging year like we’ve just experienced, he can bring hope to your weary heart.

Are you ready? It’s time to dream again.

How to Pray for Hope

• God, remove anything blocking hope. Ask God to reveal disappointment, rejection, offense, pride, anger- anything that is preventing your heart from feeling hopeful. “Examine me, O God, and know my mind; test me, and discover my thoughts. Find out if there is any evil in me and guide me in the everlasting way.” – Psalm 139:23-24 (GNT)
• God, redeem my pain. Ask God to heal any pain, trauma, or grief you’re carrying. Lay your burdens at his feet and allow him to build your character through trials you face. “Lord, heal me and I will he completely well; rescue me and I will be perfectly safe. You are the one I praise!” – Jeremiah 17:14 (GNT)
• God, strengthen my faith. Pray for a steadfast heart that trusts God no matter what challenges you endure. “Let us hold firmly to the hope we profess, because we can trust God to keep his promise.” - Hebrews 10:23 (GNT)
• God, show me your dreams for me. Ask God to reveal his purposes and plans for your life. One glimpse of his heart will revive your hope for the future. “Call to me, and I will answer you; I will tell you wonderful and marvelous things that you know nothing about.” – Jeremiah 33:3 (GNT)