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. – Romans 15:13
Visitors to Ireland, or even those who pick up an old illustrated Irish Book of Kells, will find representations of the mysterious Celtic knot. Although widely used as a Christian ornamentation on crosses and in religious manuscripts, the endless knot predates Christianity. Chinese art has an ancient form of the knot. Hindus and Buddhism have similar symbols, as do the ancient Persians. Such a knot has also been credited to King Solomon, and the motif has been found in ancient synagogue mosaics. It has been seen on clay tablets dated as early as 2500 BC.
Today’s verse knots together hope, joy, and peace, and the One who created that knot is the triune God. It is an endless knot that only He can tie. In today’s verse, Paul reminds you that hope, peace, and joy can be yours because God is a God of hope. He is able to supply these things in your life until you overflow with them. It is available to those who believe, to those who have put their trust and faith in Jesus Christ and his atoning death on Calvary and subsequent resurrection. Complete hope, peace, and joy cannot be self-produced.
When such joy, peace, and hope fill your life, the world cannot help but notice. Your steadfast security in even the darkest hours becomes a living testimony to those around you of the power and faithfulness of Jesus as your Source for everything. Pastor David Jeremiah said, “The attitude of joy is one of our greatest witnessing tools.” Your joyful spirit, he says, will “open the doors of evangelism.” Let joy overflow! Let peace rule your heart! Let your future be filled with hope! Pray that these realities will shine forth from Christ-believing members of Congress and their staffers in the halls of government.
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: Romans 16:17-20, 25-27
17 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. 18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. 19 For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
25 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26 but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— 27 to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.
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.
