Hello Bride of Christ,

The first question God asked humanity, “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9; NKJV), wasn’t out of a lack of knowledge. God, who sees all, didn’t need to find Adam and Eve in the garden. Instead, He asked this question to help them recognize their disorientation and separation from Him. Similarly, as we dive into Book II of Psalms—authored by various voices beyond David—we are invited into a journey of profound disorientation and longing. Here, the psalmists cry out, lament, and desperately seek God’s presence, asking Him to reveal Himself as Sovereign Judge, Protector, and Victorious King. As we continue reading a Psalm daily, I encourage you to reflect on God’s question to humanity: Where are you? Allow these psalms to help you uncover the context of your response, as they bring to light the longing for God's presence amid life’s chaos.

“Seek My face.” This invitation, which God extends to David in Psalm 27:8, is not just for the king but for every one of His children. The Psalms provide a powerful roadmap to develop a deeper relationship with Jehovah, the Creator. In reading through the first book of Psalms (Psalm 1-41), we are invited to echo David’s heartfelt declaration: “Your face, Lord, I will seek.” When we accept this invitation, we open ourselves to the revelation of God’s presence and, ultimately, His heart.

Did you know that, according to the 2021 report from the International Federation of Phonographic Industry, people around the world listen to music for 2–3 hours each day? While this varies depending on a person’s lifestyle, culture, and age, it’s clear that music is a significant part of daily life. I pray that, amidst all the sounds we hear, you’re also finding joy in God’s music, especially the Psalms, which beautifully capture the heart's experiences of His people. Just as the saints of old, I hope you are uncovering the song in your own heart!

As I mentioned before, this year at Esperanza-Hope, we’re focusing all our blog posts on the Psalms. Our goal is to commit to reading one Psalm each day. So far, we've journeyed through most of Book I, which David primarily wrote—the shepherd boy turned king. As we read these Psalms, we uncover the truth behind David’s experiences: that there is one resolve for every struggle.

A fresh start is upon us once again. This time of year brings a wave of excitement—new beginnings, fresh possibilities, and the promise of transformation. At Esperanza-Hope, we’re embracing this cyclical opportunity by diving into the Book of Psalms, studying and applying its timeless wisdom to our daily lives.

The Psalms provide a powerful foundation for adoring God and understanding His character. They offer us a way to explore the full spectrum of human experience, both in joy and sorrow, and to live out these emotions in a manner that honors Him. Each month, the Esperanza-Hope blog will focus on the Psalms, equipping you with God’s Word, deepening your understanding of His nature, and helping you embrace your emotions in a God-glorifying way.

Let’s begin!

In John 15:4, Jesus gives us a powerful command: "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me."

This simple but profound statement encapsulates the heart of God’s desire throughout Scripture: His relentless pursuit of a relationship with us. From the very beginning, God weaved through His Word the truth of His desire to be near us, to walk with us, and to live in communion with His people. Today, I want to explore how this invitation to "abide" in Christ is not just a call for our personal devotion, but a command meant to transform our lives.