I love berries of all kinds, and enjoy picking and eating them. Some years back our road had raspberry, blackberry, and blackcap bushes along it. One day on a walk as I picked berries, I thought about how these berries were available to me, free for the taking, as long as I took the time to stop and pick them.

But these berries were also available to anyone else who stopped to pick them. I wondered how many people drove past them each day, not even noticing them. They may have loved berries also, but they didn't take the time out of their busy days to stop for them.

I thought about something else that is available to all, free for the taking, but how many never stop long enough to claim them as their own. God's Word is full of His promises to us, just waiting for us to pick out and build our lives upon. We may read the Bible, but rush past those promises that are meant to change our lives and give us hope.

Like God's promise of Hebrews 13:5 that He will never leave us or forsake us. When we are lonely or feel rejected and forsaken by others, we can know that we are never alone. We can know how much we are loved. In Jeremiah 31:3, God tells us, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”

When we are worried, fearful, full of anxiety, we can count on I Peter 5:7. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” Jesus assures us in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

When we are facing seemingly impossible situations, Jesus tells us in Luke 18:27, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” And we have the assurance of 1 Thessalonians 5:24. “The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.”

When we don't know what to do, we can “come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most” (Hebrews 4:16). James 1:5 adds, “ If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

There is Romans 15:13 when we need hope. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (Revelations 7:17).

Perhaps the greatest promise of all is John 3:16. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Romans 10:13 adds, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Hope Ministries is a Christian counseling center, and we are here to help. If you would like to speak confidentially with someone, give us a call at 482-5300.