Today’s prayer is written by Dr. Michelle Bengtson. She is a sweet, bubbly, lovely, genuine woman I met at Suzie Eller’s Come With Me retreat in April. There’s something about her that just draws people in. I follow her on social media and love her upbeat posts. Her forthcoming book is called Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey through Depression. I can’t wait to read it because everything I’ve seen from her is so encouraging. Hope is such a beautiful thing. And right now, especially, we need to be pointed back to the God who authors hope.

Dear God,

In this world, we will have trouble…you warned us of that, and yet you also declared the promise that despite the trouble and the trials, that we could take heart because you have overcome the world. We can be grateful because while the thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy, you came to give us abundant life.

Some days our pain and heartache threaten to take our very breath away, and yet we can take solace because you are well acquainted with our sorrows, and your word says that you catch every one of our tears in a bottle. Your thoughts toward us are more numerous than the grains of sand. You know our comings and goings, and when we lie our head down at night and when we wake in the morning.

Lord, what a comfort it is to know that no matter what our circumstances present, you never leave us and you never turn your back on us. In fact, you go ahead of us, you walk beside us, and you come behind, holding us by the right hand the entire time.

Thank you that your word promises that when we trust in you, we will not be disappointed. Father, we thank you that as the God of hope, you fill us with all joy and peace as we trust in you, so that we will overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

This world that we live in is filled with evil, and while we, your Christ followers, wrestle not with flesh and blood, you promise that what the enemy intends to harm us, you will use for our good. In fact, you promise to use ALL things together for our good and for your glory. We who continue to trust you and keep our eyes focused on you will bear much fruit.

I’m so thankful that despite the chaos in the world around us, that you are the Master of the Universe and that you create order out of disorder. You are a God of restoration and repair. You are a God filled with mercy, grace, and great compassion.

Thank you God that you are greater than any foe who will rise against us, and that because of you, we are victorious and more than a conqueror. Thank you that you are pleased that we simply love and trust you, and want to know you more.

Thank you Lord that even on the days when we feel unworthy, like we don’t measure up, we are loved children of God. You have declared us a new creation in Christ, a friend of Jesus, and that Jesus makes us worthy.

Thank you that there is nothing we can do to make you love us more or love us less. Thank you that when you look at us, you see us not as we are, but through the righteousness of Jesus, clean and holy.

We can take comfort in knowing that when the road ahead of us seems dim and uncertain, you know the plans you have for us, and those plans are to prosper us and not to harm us. And those plans include a future and a hope. Because of you, Lord, Hope Prevails!

We praise you and bless your holy name!

In Jesus’ name, Amen!

You can order Michelle’s new book, Hope Prevails, now. It will start shipping on August 16.

Author, speaker and board certified clinical neuropsychologist, Dr. Michelle Bengtson is also a wife, mother and friend. She knows pain and despair firsthand and combines her professional expertise and personal experience with her faith to address issues surrounding medical and mental disorders, both for those who suffer and for those who care for them. She offers sound practical tools, affirms worth, and encourages faith. Dr. Michelle Bengtson offers hope as a key to unlock joy and relief—even in the middle of the storm. She blogs regularly on her own site:

Dr. Bengtson is the author of “Hope Prevails: Insights From a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression.” Her personal experience and professional expertise reveal the unseen issues that keep others chained in despair, while handing readers the keys to freedom. Even though someone may seem hostage to depression, it never has to be the final destination.

For more hope, stay connected with her at:

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