When you believe the lie that hope is something you have to generate in your own strength, you get frustrated, disappointed, and exhausted, because you’re putting your awareness of God’s goodness at the mercy of your circumstances and the opinions of others. When that happens, you usually end up faking being okay, or just giving up and isolating yourself.
But when you remember hope is a person, that self–imposed, impossible burden is lifted off, and your expectations shift to recognizing the goodness, grace, and love of God all around you. Rather than striving to earn hope, you’re able to receive how Jesus sees you in his joy, and renew your mind to trust him for what he says is possible in his peace.
“Now may God, the inspiration and fountain of hope, fill you to overflowing with uncontainable joy and perfect peace as you trust in him. And may the power of the Holy Spirit continually surround your life with his super-abundance until you radiate with hope” (Romans 15:13, TPT).
Equip Your Spirit 