The NIV 365 Day Devotional

Hope That Grows

These are among the last words David spoke before he breathed his last. These are words of hope—that God would continue to bless Israel. It was David’s dying wish that the leaders of the people would continue to kindle the people’s hope in God.

Most of the metaphors David uses in this passage are agricultural—rock, sunrise, rain, grass, fruition, thorns—and they apply to both leaders and followers.

Hope grows when good people lead others toward God. Hope is cut off when bad leaders harm the people they lead.

As followers of Christ, we are tasked with bearing fruit and helping others to grow as well. We are called to pursue God, who is faithful to us. He wants us to be wise, understanding that there will be people who are like thorns, opposing us.

But we always have the potential to grow. Each day blossoms with the possibility of closeness to God because we are loved. We have been invited into a relationship with the God of the universe. He sacrificed his Son for us, and the resurrection of Jesus solidifies our hope.

Lord, I want to understand what it means to hope, particularly as I lead others today. Thank you for the growth I experience when I study the Bible. Teach me how to continue to grow and become even closer to you. Amen.

Look back over your life as a Christian. When did you grow the most? What circumstances were happening in your life at that time? How did God infuse you with hope?

Taken from the NIV Radiant Virtues Bible.