Today’s word is hope.
When we say we hope for something, according to Mirriam-Webster Dictionary we “want something to happen or be true.’ When we say we have hope, we have a “desire accompanied by expectation of or belief in fulfillment.”
What does it mean that God is a God of hope? Another definition listed by Miriam-Webster is “someone or something on which hopes are centered.” God is a place where we can center our hope. I would go so far as to say, God is our source of hope.
It is because of our loving Master that we can look to the future with belief that what He says is true and with faith that what He shows us for our identity and purpose will come to fruition.
The apostle Paul wrote to the church in Rome,
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
We abound in hope because God fills us with His hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Wait. Look closer. God first fills us with all joy and peace in believing.
First comes joy and peace. Then comes hope.
It is joy-filled faith that brings hope.
It is peace saturated trust that ushers in hope.
In Romans 12, Paul seems to be writing a list of guidelines for the church in Rome to live by. In the midst of the list is verse 12.
“Rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer,” Romans 12:12
First comes joy. Then comes hope. Then comes perseverance and prayer.
Persevere in joy-filled hope, Dear One! Believe that the God of hope is on your side through the power of His Spirit.
Hallelujah!