Picture: Counsel #28 — An Appetite for Hope CWe 117.1
Discouragement is a feeling everyone experiences at some point, often the result of bad choices derived from a sinful appetite. But when that feeling takes hold, we don’t have to let it take root. Instead, we can choose the gift of hope — the spark that reignites our faith and inspires transformation — offered to us by the Holy Spirit. CWe 117.2
The promise of hope is given and fulfilled for those who hunger and thirst for God’s righteousness, seeking Him first.[150]Matthew 5:6 It is not temporary or surface-level; it is a deep satisfaction that remains as we continually cling to Him. Through faith in Christ, even your most stubborn appetites can change. When you declare, “There is hope for me to change, grow, and live a Christ-centered life,” you invite God’s transformative power into your heart and mind. This hope is not dependent on your strength but on His. Intentionally choose God daily in all you do, say, and think, and watch Him dispel your discouragement, giving you hope for peace and joy, now and for eternity.[151] https://ssnet.org/blog/our-high-priest-gives-us-hope-and-more-hope/ CWe 117.3
“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23 CWe 117.4
“Christ did not fail, neither was He discouraged, and His followers are to manifest a faith of the same enduring nature.... They are to despair of nothing, and to hope for everything.” Ellen White in The Desire of Ages, p. 679 CWe 117.5
Reflect: When you feel discouraged, do you ask God for His gift of hope? CWe 117.6
