“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.” Romans 15:13 NIV
In our day and age, we can point to multiple places in the world experiencing chaos, unrest, or societal issues that may make our world seem unbearable and hopeless. Even in our personal lives, our needs and list of prayer requests seem endless. In many situations, life and the pursuit of things can seem meaningless, like going around a circle.
In the midst of this, it is important to remember whose we are. While we are in this world, we are not of it (John 15:19). Christ has redeemed us from the world and has given our lives a new meaning, a reason to hope and something to live for. Therefore, we don’t find meaning in worldly things but in the hope, we have in Christ.
Jesus reassured us in His charge to His disciples: “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NLT
This is key because Jesus did not promise us a stress or crisis-free life. However, His promise is peace amid the storm, regardless of what life brings our way. Before Jesus’ ascension, He promised to be with us always by His Spirit, which would be poured out on all men (Matt. 28:20). He said His Spirit will be “another comforter” (John 14:16).
According to Apostle Paul’s prayer in our anchor scripture, through the power of God’s Spirit in us, we have overflowing confident hope in Christ and His saving power. This means that no matter what comes our way, we have hope and are comforted in the truth that the greater one lives in us (1 John 4:4).
Apostle Paul’s prayer was not isolated because he also faced many tribulations in his lifetime. He was imprisoned (Acts 16:16-40), stoned (Acts 14:19-20), and in a dangerous shipwreck (Acts 27-28). In all these, he proclaimed the praises of God in his letter to the Corinthian church:
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 NKJV
Dear believer, in a world of constant crises and confusion, it is only in Christ that we have joy, peace and hope. In your daily fellowship with God, find comfort and hope in the word of God and prayer. Amid uncertainties and tribulations, trust in God’s power to keep and hold you.
Bible Reading Plan:
John 14:22-31, Revelation 2:1-17, Job 25-26, Hosea 7-8