Readings from the Old Testament / Hebrew Scriptures

Many of the psalms reflect the joy and peace that comes from belief that the LORD will take care of us..

Give praise to the LORD; he has heard my cry for help.
The LORD protects and defends me; I trust in him.
He gives me help and makes me glad; I praise him with joyful songs.
Psalm 28.6,7

Be strong, be courageous, all you that hope in the LORD.
Psalm 31.24

We put our hope in the LORD; he is our protector and our help.
We are glad because of him; we trust in his holy name.
May your constant love be with us, LORD, as we put our hope in you.
Psalm 33.20-22

Why am I so sad? Why am I so troubled?
I will put my hope in God, and once again I will praise him,
my savior and my God.
Psalm 42.11

I am like an olive tree growing in the house of God;
I trust in his constant love forever and ever.
I will always thank you, God, for what you have done;
in the presence of your people I will proclaim that you are good.
Psalm 52.8,9

I depend on God alone; I put my hope in him.
He alone protects and saves me;
he is my defender, and I shall never be defeated.
My salvation and honor depend on God;
he is my strong protector; he is my shelter.

Trust in God at all times, my people.
Tell him all your troubles, for he is our refuge.
Psalm 62.5-8

I will always put my hope in you; I will praise you more and more.
I will tell of your goodness; all day long I will speak of your
salvation, though it is more than I can understand.
I will go in the strength of the LORD God;
I will proclaim your goodness, yours alone.
Psalm 71.14-16

Remember your promise to me, your servant;
it has given me hope.
Even in my suffering I was comforted
because your promise gave me life.
…

You are my defender and protector;
I put my hope in your promise.
…

Before sunrise I call to you for help;
I place my hope in your promise.
Psalm 119.49,50,114,147

I wait eagerly for the LORD’s help, and in his word I trust.
I wait for the Lord more eagerly than sentries wait
for the dawn – than sentries wait for the dawn.
Psalm 130.5, 6

Happy are those who have the God of Jacob to help them
and who depend on the LORD their God,
the Creator of heaven, earth, and sea,
and all that is in them. He always keeps his promises.
Psalm 146.5,6

The prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Zephaniah speak of renewed strength and new life that comes from hope in the Lord God.

Don’t you know? Haven’t you heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God;
he created all the world.
He never grows tired or weary.
No one understands his thoughts.
He strengthens those who are weak and tired.
Even those who are young grow weak;
young people can fall exhausted.
But those who trust in the LORD for help
will find their strength renewed.
They will rise on wings like eagles;
they will run and not get weary;
they will walk and not grow weak.
Isaiah 40.28-31

“The Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says:
…

‘I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to
bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to
bring about the future you hope for.’ ”
Jeremiah 29.4a,11

The LORD your God is with you; his power gives you victory.
The LORD will take delight in you, and in his love he will give
you new life. He will sing and be joyful over you.
Zephaniah 3.17