“Hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”
Cynicism feels safe: if you never expect much, you’ll never be disappointed.
But Scripture says the opposite—hope in Christ never shames you, because it’s built on God’s love, not fragile outcomes.
Reflection
- Where have I quietly given up on God’s promises?
- What would it look like to risk hope again, even in a small way?
Practice
- Write: List one area where you’ve grown cynical. Beneath it, write a promise of God that speaks against it (Romans 8:28, Philippians 1:6, etc.).
- Pray: Hand the cynicism back to God: “You are faithful even where I doubt.”
- Repeat: Whisper during the day: “My hope will not be put to shame.”
Prayer
Lord, uncover the places where I’ve buried hope under irony or disappointment. Teach me that Your promises are stronger than my fears. Give me courage to hope again in You.