May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing. – Romans 15:13
Imagine the circumstances of life at the time of Jesus… the struggles to make a living with Roman soldiers, an ever-present militant hand, guarding the cities. Peter and the disciples witnessed the horrible death of Jesus, the One they believed to be the Son of God, Savior of the world. Despair and hopelessness abounded.
In our current day, worries about disease, open borders, climate, and the dissolution of families for political or ideological reasons have brought a similar hopelessness to many people in this nation. However, the Christian is not without hope! Christ rose from the dead – He is the living hope. He sent the Holy Spirit to live within each believer giving them the ability to live a life of love, joy, and peace, no matter the circumstances.
Once the Spirit of God came upon them, Peter and the disciples went forth rejoicing as they proclaimed the Gospel of the Lord to many who had lost hope (Acts 2-4). It is God’s command for you as well. The world may place its hope in government institutions or specific individuals to rectify the ills of the day, but those things will never provide the peace that Jesus gives to those who believe in Him.
Although you may face tough times and prospects ahead may not appear optimistic, look for the grace of God in your life, the blessings He gives in times of difficulty, and the unspeakable joy He provides as your faith grows strong in the promises of His Word. You will enjoy a peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Pray that those around you, as well as elected officials in this nation, may come to know the peace of God in believing.
Today’s Verse: Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Psalm 40:1-4, 16-17
I waited patiently for the Lord;
he inclined to me and heard my cry.
2 He drew me up from the pit of destruction,
out of the miry bog,
and set my feet upon a rock,
making my steps secure.
3 He put a new song in my mouth,
a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
and put their trust in the Lord.
4 Blessed is the man who makes
the Lord his trust,
who does not turn to the proud,
to those who go astray after a lie!
But may all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who love your salvation
say continually, “Great is the Lord!”
17 As for me, I am poor and needy,
but the Lord takes thought for me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
do not delay, O my God!
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
