Rejocing in hope

Romans  12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

Hope is one of the most precious gifts we have as Christians. Hope is not mere wishful thinking or a vague desire for things to get better. Biblical hope is much deeper and far more substantial. It is the confident expectation of God’s promises being fulfilled. Hope is rooted in God's faithfulness and His unchanging nature.

In Hebrews 6:19, hope is described as an "anchor for the soul, firm and secure." It is something that holds us steady in the storms of life. It keeps us grounded when the winds of doubt and fear try to sway us. Hope, anchored in Christ, is the unwavering assurance that no matter what we face today, tomorrow is secured by God's promises.

As Christians, our hope is tied to the person and work of Jesus Christ. We rejoice in hope because we have something greater than ourselves to look forward to—eternal life, the restoration of all things, and the fullness of God's kingdom.

We can rejoice because we know that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed to us (Romans 8:18). No matter how dark the night may seem, the morning is coming. We know that Christ has overcome the world (John 16:33), and in Him, we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37). Therefore, our hope is not in our circumstances but in the One who holds our future.

It's easy to rejoice when life is smooth and everything is going according to plan. But the true test of our faith is whether we can still rejoice in the midst of trials and tribulations. That’s why Paul couples rejoicing in hope with being patient in tribulation.

Tribulations are inevitable in life. Jesus Himself said, "In this world you will have trouble" (John 16:33). However, He followed that statement with, "But take heart! I have overcome the world." This is where hope comes in. Hope gives us the strength to endure and even rejoice, knowing that the tribulation is temporary but the glory that awaits us is eternal.

But how do we keep our hope alive, especially in times of trouble? Paul gives us the answer in the latter part of the verse: by being constant in prayer. Prayer is the means by which we stay connected to the source of our hope—God Himself. 

Prayer is where we find the strength to endure. It’s where we remind ourselves of God’s promises. It’s where we cast our burdens upon Him and allow Him to lift our spirits. When we are weary and struggling to hold onto hope, prayer becomes the lifeline that restores our joy and peace.

We are not called to do this on our own. God has given us His Holy Spirit, the Comforter, to strengthen us, to guide us, and to fill us with hope. Romans 15:13 says, "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." The more we trust in God and draw near to Him in prayer, the more our hope will overflow.

In conclusion, let us be a people who rejoice in hope. Let our hearts be filled with joy as we look forward to the promises of God. Let us remain patient in the midst of our trials, knowing that our hope is secure. And let us continue steadfast in prayer, drawing near to the One who is the source of all hope.

Let us remember, our hope is not in vain. It is grounded in the unshakable promises of God, who never fails. So, rejoice! Rejoice in the hope that is ours in Christ Jesus, and may that hope fill your hearts with joy, peace, and strength until the day He returns in glory.

God bless you.

Prayer key:

1. Lord thank you for the blessing of your word today in Jesus Christ name.

2. Lord, grant me the grace to hope in you in Jesus Christ name.

3. Lord grant me the spirit of rejoining in Jesus Christ name.

4. Thank you Lord for answered prayers in Jesus Christ name. Amen.