Psalm 42:11

Hope is not always something that appears naturally. Sometimes it must be rehearsed. The psalmist does not say, “Once I feel better, I will hope in God.” He speaks hope while still feeling downcast. That matters. Hope is often a discipline before it becomes a feeling. It is a direction the soul must keep taking, even while emotions lag behind. Rehearsing hope means reminding yourself again and again of what is true about God, even when fear is still loud. It is not pretending. It is refusing to let discouragement define reality.

Reflect: What does it look like for you to choose hope when it does not come naturally?

Pray: Lord, help me place my hope in You even when my emotions do not immediately follow.