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.

While the Mayo Clinic reports that five to ten percent of people have an actual speech disorder, I estimate that over 50% struggle with speech control and might consider using a mouth guard, as Proverbs 21:23 suggests. Words hold immense power; God used them to create everything, speaking the universe into existence. As bearers of His image, our words carry that same power, capable of building up or tearing down. I often remember this at family dinners when a single comment slips from my lips, robbing the table of joy and laughter and quickly replacing it with solemn silence of hurt souls. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us "death and life are in the power of the tongue." So how can we take control of what we say? How do we choose to speak life?

History shapes our thinking, perception, and understanding. The stories of our grandparents’ triumphs and trials influence our values and self-worth. Whether we are descendants of slaves or related to royalty affects how we interact with the world and how we expect it to respond to us. It is His story—and its vividness in our hearts—that determines whether we are guided by His Word, or led astray by false gods.