Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Paul reminds us in this verse that just trusting in God brings joy and peace. I have prayed to God for peace many times over the last couple of weeks. There is a lot going on in our house. We are renovating, and of course, it is wonderful to be able to do this. But it is also very unpleasant while it is going on, and we have had some rough days. Stopping and thanking God for what we have, most importantly for what we have in Jesus, has been so helpful for me. Sometimes I don’t feel like there is room in my chest for joy. But I must allow God to make room. I have prayed to God for peace, and He has answered. He will bring me joy.
Holy Lord, I know that it is through knowing and loving you that I find moments of joy. I am so thankful. Lead me, Lord. Amen
Becky, transforming
Thursday, September 12th, 1024
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.
When you and I trust God, we will have the hope of joy and peace, but only if we choose to follow Him. Only if we believe. I have to be willing to trust the Lord even when I don’t have answers to the whys, when things aren’t going my way. It’s a daily act of choosing to trust the Lord. It may seem overwhelming but, when the outcome is joy and peace, it’s worth it! I love to have a candle burning in my home,…
Romans 15:13
Life without God is devoid of hope This verse says to me that hope is essential for experiencing joy and peace. This is probably an oversimplification, but I see that difference on a cultural level. I find a stark contrast between our wealthy, privileged and increasingly godless culture in the US with its oppressive anxieties, grievances, self-absorption and slavishness to technology, and what I experienced in rural Thailand, Nicaragua and small villages in Portugal. The difference is hope that brings joy. I realize these were small samples and a short visit can in no way reveal an entire culture, but people, especially Christians in communities unburdened by pervasive unbelief demonstrate hope, joy and peace so much more freely…