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I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13, NLT).
The evil affliction of this age is despair. God’s antidote for despair is hope.
The Apostle Paul writes that God is the source of hope. Since our hope depends on God more than us, no matter how despondent and frustrated we get – we find solace knowing hope does not originate from us!
We have hope!
If hope does originate from us, life is hopeless.
All of us will encounter difficult times, whether illness or financial stress, relational or personal anxiety, and then we die. Pretty hopeless unless we realize that God works all things together for our good and that we have eternity to praise Him.
We can have hope!!
Paul gives a simple formula for increasing hope – from hope to joy and peace to more hope.
Let’s consider a few definitions . . .
Hope: The expectation of a better future.
Joy: Satisfaction knowing we are blessed.
Peace: Wholeness in rest.
God guarantees a great future with the resurrection of Jesus. From hope, we find joy, even considering all things good during trials. Also, from hope, we have peace knowing that if God didn’t spare His own Son, certainly He will not withhold His blessings.
Yes, we have hope!!!
There is an exponential effect of hope. When hope leads to joy and peace, then our hope increases . . . no matter our circumstance. In fact, our hope increases through difficulty.
We want this hope!!!
We know we have hope when we have joy and peace.
I check my joy and peace often.
With joy, I consider, “Am I satisfied?” I consider satisfaction a synonym for joy and easier for me to discern in my life. With peace, I think, “Do I have confidence and rest in my decisions?” Rest and confidence can reside during turmoil. In swirling chaos, if I know the presence of God . . .
I have peace.
We despair when we feel cast adrift into confusion without purpose and direction. Despair can become demonic and oppressive, a black cloud that absorbs joy and peace.
Anxiety and fear follow despair.
WE NEED HOPE!!!!
Let’s pray, “God, allow us to overflow with hope through the power of Your Holy Spirit.”