Sa pagpasok ng bagong taon, puno tayo ng pag-asa na ito na ang taon na maaabot natin ang ating mga pangarap: ang maging honor student, ang maging dean’s lister, ang maka-graduate on time, o ang mapansin ni crush.

Ang iba naman ay nangangarap na makaahon sa kahirapan, maitaguyod ang pamilya, mapansin nila Papa at Mama, o magkaroon ng maayos na trabaho.

Alin sa mga ‘yan ang kahit minsan ay pinangarap mo na para sa sarili mo?

Marahil kagaya ko, dama mo ang hirap. Nakikita natin ang kahirapan ng buhay, at masasabi nating hindi madaling mabuhay.

Pero huwag kang sumuko.

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?

Psalm 43:5

Tinatanong ng nagsulat ang sarili niya kung bakit siya nakakaramdam ng despair at depression. Nakaka-relate ka ba? Natanong mo na rin ba ‘to sa sarili mo?

“Bakit nga ba ako nalulungkot?”

“Why do I feel so down? I know that God is true and faithful, but why do I feel so down?”

“It’s a new year. Everyone’s hopeful and full of faith, but why am I in doubt?”

Whoever wrote this psalm must have been experiencing stress, despair, and hopelessness. But the writer continues, “Put your hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.”

He commanded himself to hope in God.

Paano niya nagawang sabihin sa sarili niya na magkaroon ng pag-asa sa Diyos kahit may struggles at difficulties siyang nararanasan? He reminded himself that the Lord was his God and his salvation. He knew that God is mighty and is mighty to save.

It’s always good to ask yourself: What has God been to me these past years?

To me, God has been a father. He has been the provider for my needs.

He has been a friend and confidant whenever I felt that no one could ever understand me.

He has been my guide whenever I had no clue what’s next for me. He has given me joy during times of sadness, and peace in times of fear and doubt. He is my hope. Therefore, I will continue to hope in Him.

Anchor your hope on God’s unchanging Word.

We know that God is true because of the miracles He performed and the prayers He answered throughout our whole lives. We can be assured that He will fulfill His promises that we have yet to witness in our lives.

Our hope should not be anchored on our wealth.

Money can never dictate your future and security. Hindi masusukat o malilimitahan ng kayamanan ang mga plano ng Diyos sa buhay mo.

Our hope should not be anchored on what we dream to be someday.

God’s plans for us are much higher than our dreams. Don’t lose hope, even when it seems like you’re not getting any closer to your goals, your dream job, or your dream life. God knows the plans He has for you, and He will cause them to be at His right time through His own way.

Our hope should not be based on how people see us.

Sabihin na nila ang lahat ng gusto nilang sabihin—“hindi ka magaling,” “hanggang diyan ka na lang,” “lagi ka na lang ganyan,” “hindi ka naman karapat-dapat,” “wala ka nang mabuting nagawa.” At the end of the day, when you put your hope in God and obey Him, His purpose will be fulfilled in your life.

Our hope should not be based on the now.

Kung anuman ang sitwasyon mo ngayon, hindi yan mananatiling ganyan habang-buhay. May ginagawa ang Diyos para sa ikabubuti mo. Hindi man natin alam kung ano ang mangyayari sa hinaharap, alam naman natin kung Sino ang may hawak ng ating kinabukasan.

Nagtitiwala ka ba sa Kanya?

For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Colossians 1:16,17 (NIV)

Will you trust God, the Creator of the world?

Will you trust the God who created you? Will you trust in Him, who has carried you this far to bring you further into the fulfillment of His promises for you?

Will you trust His love for you?

The love that compelled God to send His Son to die on the cross for you—in your place—is the same love that He displays as He blesses you and fulfills His promises to you.

Choose to trust and hope in the God who is faithful and loving.

But I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more.

Psalm 71:14

Wisdom is His. Provision is His. Restoration? He can do it! Miracles? Yes! Good grades? Open doors? Work after graduation? All things are possible!!! #MaliitNaBagay

God is beyond our finances.

He is beyond our relationships.

He is beyond our health and condition.

He is God, no matter how we may feel.

And He is with us. Always.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV)

In whatever situation, do not fear. Our faith in God causes us to be patient and prayerful in times of testing and to be confident in His promises.

What hinders you from hoping in God? Talk to Him. Tell Him all about your dreams and hopes. Go to Him in prayer.

You can also ask some friends to pray with you. Do whatever it takes to fight the good fight of faith.

May God restore your hope today. May He give you peace and joy as you wait on Him. May He fill you with joyous expectation as you hope in Him. May His love satisfy you and outweigh all you are enduring and waiting for.

Hope in God. He is faithful.