Megan Evans, Women’s Ministry Director, LHBC
Romans 15:13 (ESV)
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.
Recently worry has seemed inescapable. Inboxes are inundated, social media is flooded, and TV and radio has kept a constant vigil of the COVID-19 health crisis. Yet, it is important to pull away from the noise and let God speak His life giving words. Perhaps like many of us this week, you have found yourself glued to the latest news story and research report. And while it is good to stay informed, it can be easy to let the greatest message of hope get lost in the latest headline.
It can be hard to remember to turn off the TV, enjoy the quiet, and be still before the Lord. So today, listen to the message of His abounding hope that transcends all circumstances. Romans 15:13 reminds us:
1. May the God of hope fill you: The God of hope Himself gives joy and peace to all believers. He is the source of abounding Hope.
2. With all joy and peace in believing: Through our relationship in Christ, abounding hope in our life is a limitless supply. Because God is the source of hope, we will never run out. No situation is too great or too small to pray for hope.
3. So that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope: The power of the Holy Spirit enables us to abound in hope. Hope in all situations comes from the power of God, not from ourselves.
Jesus is the reason that we can persevere and experience joy in all circumstances. The world today is grasping for answers and some place to put certainty. However, while the world looks to formulas and theories, child of God bask in the “joy and peace in believing.”
Jesus tells us in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
Nothing has escaped our great God’s watchful eye, and we can be certain His living water and breath of life are greater than humanity’s brokenness and frailty. Germs and sickness have always been and always will be a battle that our vulnerable and weak bodies face this side of heaven. Romans 15:13 reminds us that it is by the power of the Holy Spirit that we may abound in hope in the midst of suffering. Encourage someone with the promises of God’s Word today. Remember the God of hope today, and may He fill you with all joy and peace in believing.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Father God, calm my fears today. You are the God of hope, and may that hope that originates from your very character abound in me today. May this joy and peace be evident to all. I pray for the wisdom and discernment of our leaders and I pray for health, protection, and sound judgement for myself and those around me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
2 Timothy 1:7
for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.