HOPE MATTERS

Psalm 147:11 ( NIV)

“the LORD delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love.”

Romans 15:13 (NIV)

“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.”

Hope is the focus in these Bible verses, that the GOD of hope would cause us to overflow with hope. In St. Paul’s words, he does not directly pray for hope. Rather he prayers for what will produce hope within us.

The first step in this process is that we believe in the GOD of hope. We should not expect GOD to do anything for us if we are not walking in faith. As we believe, GOD would fill us with all joy and peace. Joy and peace come, not from external circumstances, but through our relationship with GOD. We can have real joy and real peace only when we are walking with the One who made us. But all too often we allow the troubles and cares of this world to intrude, dampening our joy and peace. Seeking to have GOD fill us with joy and peace is not a one time request. It should be the ongoing desire of the believers heart.

The end result of being filled with joy and peace is that we will overflow with hope by the power of the Holy SPIRIT. Hope is not just a wishful desire. Rather it is a firm confidence in GOD’s great and precious promises given to those who believe and claim JESUS CHRIST as Savior and Lord. And that hope grows in the soil of joy and peace, tended by the Holy SPIRIT. If your hope is weak, seek the joy and peace GOD will give to those who believe. Then you can enjoy overflowing hope in your life.

Pray with me....

LORD, help me and those in my family to hear you saying, "I am your hope" over all the other voices. LORD, your word says, you are the hope for the hopeless so I'm coming to you with both hands stretched out and holding on to you. Fill us up with hope and give us a tangible reminder today that hope is an unbreakable spiritual lifeline.

FATHER GOD, you know those things in my heart that I barely dare to hope for, today I give them to you, I entrust them to you, and I believe that you can do more than I could ever ask, think, or imagine or request from you. LORD, my GOD, you are my hope and I trust you. Make firm our faith. I pray this in the Great Name of JESUS...Amen.

Pastor Wally