“Be joyful in Hope”
Romans 12:12
The Bible is a book of hope.
Depression moves in rapidly if we lose hope.
“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31). That’s good!
“Those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land” (Psalm 37:9). I like that too!
“God gave us eternal encouragement and good hope” (2 Thessalonians 2:16). Gave us? Then let’s pause and receive.
“I have put my hope in your word” (Psalm 119:147). Yes, Lord. Give me a continual hunger for more of Your Word.
“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you (Ephesians 1:18). There is a call of God on your life. Joy comes abundantly as we find that place to which we have been called and walk in His will. I pray that for you today.
“Suffering produces perseverance, perseverance character, and character hope” (Romans 5:3-4). I have not spent much time pondering the progression of suffering to hope, but when we walk with the Lord, suffering that is surrendered to Him ultimately produces character. But also continues with hope.
“Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:5).
So – “may the God of hope fill [all of us] with all joy and peace as [we] trust in him, so that [we] may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).
Pause. Pray. Surrender. And get so full of hope that you overflow to everyone around you.
We followers of Jesus are to be the world’s ultimate optimists.