Hope

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Scripture

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
(Romans 15:13 NASB)

 

Observation


The God whom we serve is a God of hope, a hope which we receive through the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul knew that all of humanity, no matter their circumstances needed hope. Life on this earth has never been easy for Christ's followers and the need for hope has always existed. Hope results in a life filled with joy and peace as we believe.

 

Application


At this time of year people are looking for hope, joy and peace. Just today I've been watching the news with pictures coming out of Syria and young children running from gunfire. We do not live in a world of peace, but rather in a world of war. Humanity's self-centeredness leads to a place where there is no hope, no joy and no peace. With childlike faith the following song became popular in Russia during a time when peace was very tenuous:

May there always be sunshine
May there always be blue skies
May there always be momma
May there always be me

What does hope and peace and joy look like for a small child? Days where you can look up and see the beautiful blue sky which is not dotted with the clouds of war and that your mother remains by your side. As we head into this Christmas season we often speak of a desire for peace. What does peace look like for a follower of Jesus Christ? When the clouds of life come rolling in and we feel discouraged, may we be able to look heavenward and see the glory of the Lord, and may the presence of the Holy Spirit overwhelm us just at the loving embrace of a mother who remains steadily by our side through the thick and thin of life. That's the hope that we have during this Christmas season that was all made possible through the coming of Jesus Christ. His arrival in human flesh brought the reality of real hope to all of humanity through the gift of his Holy Spirit. May the hope, joy and peace of God, which is greater than anything created by human hands overwhelm and flood our hearts this Advent season.

 

Prayer


Lord, thank you for the hope which we have in you. Amen.

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