Saturday, July 23, 2011

Joyful in Hope

Not too long ago, God gave me a scripture that I feel was meant to be used for my life verse. Romans 12:12 says that we should be "joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer."

My son asked me one day why I continue to hope and to pray that my husband will come home. I tried to explain to him that my hope was not in my earthly husband but in my heavenly father. It's really hard to explain but I know in my heart that God has given me a promise and that if I continue to stand on this promise I will see it fulfilled. My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness. It's an old hymn but has a wonderful meaning to me. Because he is righteous and he is my savior, I have hope. And I find joy in that hope.

How my life would be different if I did not have this hope. I would go through the same motions every day. Go to the same place of work, come home to the same house, yet without hope it would just be a meaningless effort. Without something to look forward to does our life really hold any meaning?

Hebrews 6:19 says "we have this hope as an anchor for our soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf." Our hope enters the inner sanctuary where Jesus has entered on our behalf. This very hope is an active thing that propels us before the throne! That excites me and only fuels my hope even further. Perhaps that is why Abraham hoped beyond hope and was able to become the father of many nations. Perhaps that why David sings that the Sovereign Lord has been his hope since he was young. Perhaps that is why Jeremiah says blessed is the man whose hope is in the Lord. Perhaps that is why Isaiah says those that wait on the Lord will renew their hope.

Our hope is what lets our soul sing and our spirit soar. Our hope is what brings us peace and comfort in troubled times. Our hope does not disappoint. Our hope endures. So be joyful in hope!


God, I continue to be amazed at the joy I find in hoping and waiting on you. Fill us with joy overflowing even in times of darkness. Let us be joyful in hope. You are the strength of my life forever. Amen.

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