When I say, “I hope my cancer doesn’t come back again,” it’s both a wish and a prayer. But when I say, “God gives me hope for the future,” that is confident assurance in the promises of the God who has never failed me.

Most people hope for a long life, lasting relationships, good health, and happiness. Yet we know that in a matter of minutes life can be turned upside down and inside out, and it can feel like our hopes are dashed.

For the people of God, hope is drawn from a deeper well. As the psalmist explains, we cannot rely on our own armies and horses—our own resources—to deliver us. The beautiful image is that of the God whose eyes are locked on us, whose love never fails, who is our help and shield. God paints a positive picture of our forever future.

When our hope and trust are firmly connected to our unchangeable God, we know deep in our souls that God’s love will sustain us through this life and into eternity. This means that even if our struggles return, our hope in God remains. This kind of hope is contagious. Maybe you know someone who needs to hear these words of hope today: the Lord sees you, loves you, and will sustain you.