January 3 | Bible in a Year: Genesis 7–9; Matthew 3

Spotting Hope

May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you. Psalm 33:22

READ Psalm 33:6–9, 12–22

Oceanographer Sylvia Earle has seen the deterioration of coral reefs first-hand. She founded Mission Blue, an organisation devoted to the development of global “hope spots”. These special places around the world are “critical to the health of the ocean”, which impacts our lives on earth. Through the intentional care for these areas, scientists have seen the relationships of underwater communities restored and lives of endangered species preserved.

In Psalm 33, the psalmist acknowledges that God spoke everything into existence and ensured that all He made would stand firm (vv. 6–9). As God reigns over generations and nations (vv. 11–19), He alone restores relationships, saves lives and revitalises hope. However, God invites us to join Him in caring for the world and the people He created.

Each time we praise God for the whisper of a rainbow splashed across a clouded, grey sky or the glistening waves of the ocean crashing against a rocky shore, we can proclaim His “unfailing love” and presence as we “put our hope” in Him (v. 22).

When we’re tempted towards discouragement or fear as we consider the current state of the world, we may begin to believe we can’t make a difference. When we do our part as members of God’s care team, however, we can honour Him as the Creator and help others spot hope as they place their trust in Jesus.

By Xochitl Dixon

How has God used nature to affirm your hope in Him? How can you serve as part of His care team?

Loving Creator and Sustainer, help me be a hope spotter who faithfully serves on Your care team.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

In Psalm 33, the unnamed psalmist calls the righteous to praise God, extolling Him as the Lord of creation (vv. 6-9) and the nations (vv. 10-22). The writer speaks of God’s power in creation: “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made . . . . He spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm” (vv. 6, 9). The omnipotent Creator of the universe is also the supreme ruler of history ( vv. 10-15) and the providential provider and protector of those who trust in Him (vv. 16-22).