In Romans 12, Paul talks about the marks of the true Christian. We love genuinely and hold fast to what is good. We bless others and serve the Lord fervently. We live peaceably, and rejoice. We are joyful in our hope.
Hope is a confident expectation; looking ahead to something assured.
It is a patient endurance believing that God will keep His promises. The Holy Spirit within us gives evidence to His promise-keeping faithfulness as well as points to the promise of a future to come.
It can be difficult to wait for something that is outside our control. As we wait for God to fulfill His promises, we can wait with longing, yearning, complaining, impatience, and frustration. I know I have. I’m thankful that His grace covers us and His joy strengthens us to endure.
Hope with joy is singing in the wait. It is praising Him before it is done; before we see the promise.
We can do this because God’s word never fails. What He has spoken is done, just not yet realized on earth. As we wait on His perfect timing, we can find sustainment in the enduring joy and peace found only in His presence.
“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]
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12
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Be encouraged
🎶 Hunger ~ Gracie Binion
This world could never satisfy
The longing in my soul
When all is lost, and hope is dry
When all I feel is cold
I’m coming back to Your presence
‘Cause there’s a hunger and a thirst
I am desperate, immerse me
And I’m not waiting, not anymore
‘Cause I need You, Lord
I need You, Lord
So, sweep me away
Sweep me away with You
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Matthew 5:6
