So Much Hope

This summer I discovered something marvelous about hope: you don’t have to come up with it on your own!

Back in June at the Higgs house, hope was in short supply (more on that on my Facebook Live appearance). The One who is hope itself showed me that He can and will provide an overflowing abundance of hope. No charge, no limits, no kidding.

If you could use a fresh measure of hope right about now, get ready for the best news you’ll read today.

May the God of hope fill you
with all joy and peace
as you trust in him,
so that you may overflow with hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 

What a feast! Every phrase, every word, is delicious and nutritious, giving your soul the nourishment it needs.

Let’s dive in.

So Much Hope | Liz Curtis Higgs

May the God of hope fill youRomans 15:13

Like everything else in His creation, hope “comes from God” (NLV). He’s in charge of hope. He’s our “source of hope” (GNT). Hope is the very definition of who God is. And friend, He is the “God of your hope” (AMPC). Yours, specifically and personally and individually.

“Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him” (Psalm 62:5). It surely does, and when He pours His hope into you, look what comes along for the ride.

So Much Hope | Liz Curtis Higgs

…with all joy and peace… Romans 15:13

Okay, not just hope. He also will “fill you completely” (NLT) with “great joy” and “perfect peace” (NIrV). These aren’t simply nice sentiments on a greeting card; these are solid promises from God’s Word.

Ask people what they want most in life, and it’s usually one of these three: hope, joy, or peace. But we don’t have to choose, beloved. God gives us all of these and more.

The truth? Hope, joy, and peace don’t come from any thing or any person. We may love our homes, our cars, our stuff — but any hope, joy, or peace they give us is temporary at best, easily swept away by fires, floods, or hurricanes (still praying for you, friends).

And we are all too aware that our spouses, our kids, our relatives, our BFFs, our neighbors, our coworkers can be taken from us. But what God gives us can never be snatched from our lives.

So how and when does this huge measure of hope start pouring into our hearts?

So Much Hope | Liz Curtis Higgs

…as you trust in him,… Romans 15:13

Ah. So we do play a small part. Knowing “the Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does” (Psalm 145:13) makes it possible for us to put our trust in Him.

We can “believe in Him” (HCSB) because He has proven Himself again and again. Every time a flower blooms, every time the sun rises, every time a baby’s cry pierces the air, God is reminding us of His sovereignty, His creative power, His mighty strength.

When you trust in Him, “your believing lives” (MSG). It beats in your heart and echoes through your mind. The reality of God is undeniable. Wherever there is life, there is God, and He is dishing out hope.

So Much Hope | Liz Curtis Higgs

…so that you may overflow with hope… Romans 15:13

What a visual! A fountain of hope, like living water, “bubbling over” (AMPC) and “flowing out of you” (ERV), splashing hope on everyone you meet.

God gives us so much hope, we can’t contain it or control it. And who would want to, when our world desperately needs all the hope it can get?

No need to worry about where all your overflow will go. God is, as always, in charge.

So Much Hope | Liz Curtis Higgs

…by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Our verse has come full circle, right back to God, whose “life-giving energy” (MSG) never runs out of steam. It’s His power, not ours, that puts hope in motion.

You might want to write this verse on the tablet of your heart for all those days when your hope is running on empty.

May the God of hope fill you
with all joy and peace
as you trust in him,
so that you may overflow with hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Join Liz for Facebook Live Event September 19

On Tuesday, September 19, I did my very first Facebook Live Event (gulp). So far I’d shared my unexpected journey toward hope only with family members and a few close friends. Finally I worked up the courage to tell YOU.

31 Proverbs to Light Your Path | Liz Curtis Higgs

What a JOY it is to have my 37th book on store shelves this autumn! 31 Proverbs to Light Your Path offers the wisdom you need for the road ahead. Maybe you’re stuck and want to move forward. Or you feel anxious and long to know what’s next. Or you’re ready for an uplifting reminder that God holds your future in His loving hands. Chosen by hundreds of women as their favorite verses in Proverbs, these thirty-one nuggets of truth reveal how faithfully God honors His promise, “I will instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths” (Proverbs 4:11).

Bless you for opening God’s Word with me today!

Your sister, Liz

35 Responses to So Much Hope

  1. Karen Jones September 12, 2017 at 10:30 am #

    Love your insights and biblical knowledge……. I thoroughly enjoy the use of the different translations as you write. I can always hear your voice in my mind as I read what you write… You, Liz, are such an inspiration….. Can’t wait on my goodies to arrive along with my copy of your new book in Oct for my birthday 🎂….

    • Name* September 16, 2017 at 7:32 pm #

      Dear SWEET LIZ…
      GREETINGS…
      WHAT A SHEER DELIGHT TO START MY DEVOTION BY READING YR BLOG….TO SEE YR GREAT HOPE AND JOY 😃….IT IS ALL OVER YR
      BEAMING, OVERFLOWING
      FACE AND SPIRIT AND WITH ALL LOVELY FLOWERS🌸🍃🌻🍃🌹🍃🌷🍃🌼I WAS SOARING LIKE AN EAGLE.AS.WHAT THE LORD HAS INVESTED IN MY LIFE THUS FAR…WHAT A GREAT MASTERPIECE HE HAS MADE OUT OF ME…FR NOTHING
      TO EVERYTHING…PRAISE GOD…✋👏👐

    • Liz Curtis Higgs October 3, 2017 at 7:40 pm #

      Bless you for the kind words, sisters!

  2. Susan Shipe September 12, 2017 at 11:16 am #

    Lizzie, you know how much I admire you and your ministry and today’s blog? Well, well, well… A yellow rose (long story but heavenly). Thank you. Romans 15.13 — my gift from Papa in 2002-3 after a sad season with Marni… Thank you for reminding me. You are my sweet and famous friend. I love you.

    • Liz Curtis Higgs October 3, 2017 at 7:41 pm #

      Oh dear. Not sure I’m “sweet” and very sure I’m not “famous,” but am I your friend and sister in Christ? Absolutely! :>) God bless, Susan!

  3. Kathryn Scovanner September 12, 2017 at 11:44 am #

    Dealing with an adult daughter with mental health problems. Your e-mail helped so much!!!!!! Thank you for sharing. Prayers for you as I know you pray for me. Amen

  4. Doris September 12, 2017 at 3:57 pm #

    So glad to see one of these devotionals back, Liz! This verse was my verse for the year a couple of years ago and I needed so much a refresher in it. Thank you! Looking forward to the 19th!

  5. Shayna Medendorp September 12, 2017 at 4:28 pm #

    Miss Curtis hearings your devotionals a refreshing and inspiring. The verse Psalms 119:11 that talks about I have hidden your word in my heart that I may not have a stray. Like the verse Romans 15:13 that you used in this devotional! They are very refreshing.
    You are an amazing friend and I’m blessed to be one of the many they call you such. Have a wonderful day!

    • Liz Curtis Higgs October 3, 2017 at 7:46 pm #

      Oh yes! Love that verse. SO powerful, and one of the reasons I am really gung-ho on memorizing Scripture:

      “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11

  6. Marte Simpson September 13, 2017 at 7:23 pm #

    Liz you’ve been on my heart lately so this message is rightly timed. Now I look forward to Sept 19th.

    I’ve been hurting but with hope so it will be so neat to have a full course meal served by you when hope hovered out of reach too. I’m so glad we know Our Heavenly Father & Son, Jesus & Holy Spirit because they carry gifts to us when we get weighed down with pain, illness, sadness, loss. Blessings on you dear Liz.

    • Liz Curtis Higgs October 3, 2017 at 7:47 pm #

      May the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit lift your burdens this day, dear Marte!

  7. kimberly September 13, 2017 at 7:56 pm #

    please download it to U-tube. I don’t do facebook…

    Thanks

  8. Amy Conrod September 15, 2017 at 5:53 am #

    Thanks for the reminders today! God’s Word is amazing and His love is never-failing!

    • Liz Curtis Higgs October 3, 2017 at 7:48 pm #

      I couldn’t agree more, Amy: amazing and never-failing!

  9. Trisha September 15, 2017 at 4:14 pm #

    I am so grateful for your message today. I had plans to move to San Marcos, Texas the end of August. I believe God gave me His answer to months of praying. The week I was to leave, the hurricane came. I have continued to pray as to where I should retire (presently living in Iowa). I have not received His peace but have faith His answer will give me direction soon. I will trust in Him. Blessings.

    • Liz Curtis Higgs October 3, 2017 at 7:50 pm #

      Trusting God is always the right thing to do, Trisha. Praying He makes His will clear soon!

  10. Susan G. September 15, 2017 at 4:26 pm #

    This is so good Liz! I just soaked it up. Our women’s small group memorized this verse a couple of years ago, and it’s still rich for me today! We all need hope, joy and peace at least once a day! 😉
    Can’t wait to read your new book!
    Thanks for this today!
    Blessings on you!

    • Liz Curtis Higgs October 3, 2017 at 7:51 pm #

      It really IS a delicious verse, Susan, packed with words that speak to our right-now needs: hope, joy, peace, and more hope!

  11. Debby Zigenis-Lowery September 16, 2017 at 3:12 pm #

    Thank you, Liz! I really needed this today. I am in an emotionally challenging health situation. I keep reminding myself God is in control, but continue to feel frustrated and helpless (It doesn’t help that I am greatly fatigued). Your post reminded me that peace does not come through “head knowledge” (God is all powerful. God is in control.), but from “heart knowledge” (I am trusting you, Lord). Those words carried me through the spring when my son received a traumatic brain injury and was in ICU for three weeks. I realize now, that is where I need to live.

    • Liz Curtis Higgs October 3, 2017 at 7:53 pm #

      For the first time in my life, Debby, I have some understanding of the “greatly fatigued” challenge, and it is SO hard. My thoughts and prayers are with you tonight .

  12. Brenda September 19, 2017 at 7:49 pm #

    Liz: I just listened to your Facebook live event then read your devotional on hope. I really needed these thoughts today! We just found out that my sister has had a reoccurrence of colon cancer. She just had surgery in December to remove a malignant tumor. We are believers so our hope is in the Lord but humanly it is still easy to be worried. Thank you for your ministry. Will definitely be praying as you face your journey…

    • Liz Curtis Higgs October 3, 2017 at 7:56 pm #

      Praying for your sister tonight, Brenda, and for you. It’s hard enough news the first time, but to know the cancer has returned must be very difficult indeed. Lord Jesus, heal this dear sister as only You can!

  13. Cathy September 20, 2017 at 12:35 am #

    I really enjoyed your FB live broadcast today! I truly believe The Lord led me to it as I needed to hear your testimony and your outpouring of trust and hope in The Lord! Thank you so much for your wonderful ministry to all Sisters around the world!

    • Liz Curtis Higgs October 3, 2017 at 7:57 pm #

      THANKS for watching, Cathy. Clearly it was unscripted (and a bit loosey-goosey!), but I’m glad you heard my heart. You KNOW I love encouraging my sisters in Christ. Pure JOY!

  14. Bev September 21, 2017 at 4:01 am #

    I’m in the middle of a storm. I feel like I’m in a nightmare and am desperate to wake up out of it. My thoughts keep going back to it thinking about it 24/7. How do I fit trusting God in all this? Here’s my storm: our 32 yr old single daughter had recently been diagnosed with a rare disease called Moyamoya. It’s a disorder where the blood arteries in the brain are not supplying sufficient blood because they are too weak. She will need brain surgery soon. She is susceptible to having a stroke , please pray she doesn’t. So how do I trust God in all this? -Desperately, totally dependent on Him, Bev

    • Liz Curtis Higgs October 3, 2017 at 8:03 pm #

      Bev, please forgive my delayed response to your heartfelt request! May I pray for you right now? Lord Jesus, this dear mother’s fears are completely understandable. The rarity of her daughter’s disease, the possibility of a stroke…so scary, Lord. And yet, we know that Bev is not alone and neither is her sweet daughter. You hold them in your loving embrace, Lord, and You will not let go. However the last two weeks have unfolded, Lord, we know that You are Sovereign and we trust You completely with the outcome. Comfort Bev as only You can. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

  15. Shelly September 29, 2017 at 12:08 pm #

    Hello, First of all please know that I am praying for His comfort for you sweet Sister in Christ. Liz, I absolutely love your books and have purchased several, and presently have pre-ordered 31 Proverbs To Light Your Path. Here is my question for you: I am a facilitator in a women’s Bible study and we have committed to memorizing a Bible verse a month. Presently we are studying Acts and for September we are memorizing Acts 1:8: But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere-in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.(NLT) I would like to ask your permission to share some of your memorizing tips with the ladies in my group. I would need to write a list as they would easily forget them. Thank you for considering, and I would understand if I am not allowed. God bless you Liz.

    • Liz Curtis Higgs October 3, 2017 at 8:06 pm #

      Oh, Shelly, absolutely! I’m delighted you found something in 31 Verses to Write on Your Heart that might be helpful for your Bible study group. Go for it, with my blessing. And thanks for your prayers!

  16. Jane October 8, 2017 at 2:50 pm #

    Praying for you sweet lady! So blessed by your thoughtful insights. Following with you through 31 Verses to Light Your Path. Received my ‘goodies’ yesterday. Are the gorgeous cards available at some point? Would love to gift some very special friends at holiday time.

    • Liz Curtis Higgs October 12, 2017 at 4:38 am #

      So glad your pre-order goodies are in hand! And thanks for following along on Facebook this month http://www.facebook.com/lizcurtishiggs as we walk through all 31 Proverbs. We had to order more prints and are still sending out the last of our pre-order requests. Touch base with me via my website contact page in a few days, and I’ll see what I have left in stock. THANKS, Jane!

  17. Arleen October 12, 2017 at 4:18 pm #

    Liz, I choose a word each year to concentrate on for the year. My word for 2017 is HOPE. Thanks for this devotional today.

  18. Kelly October 17, 2017 at 11:36 pm #

    Thank you for affirming our brothers and sisters for whom the battle with depression is real. Just read about your 31 Proverbs book on Ann Voskamp’s website and you are bang on, if your seratonin levels are low, swallow your pride and swallow the pill, and thank God He’s given us modern medicine when we need it. Mental health issues are real and need our prayerful and practical support. God bless you:)