January 11 – HOPE

May God – The Author of Hope – fill you with all His joy and peace so that you can keep on believing in Him as you live, and so you will overflow with hope in the Lord by the power of His Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)

                In an earlier part of his letter to the Christians in Rome, Paul explained that people develop the reliance on God that is called hope, as they experience suffering (Romans 5:3-5). How can this be true? During the last challenge you endured, do you remember being filled with God’s joy and peace?

                Paul explains that God gives hope by filling men and women with the confidence of His character, His strength, and His love. This knowledge, from the experience of a relationship with God, and from His promises, gives the peace which allows you to keep going in times of trouble. Also, Paul’s prayer here for God’s grace to “fill” his Roman friends reminds you that all good things come from Him. It also reminds believers to pray for those good gifts every moment.

                Consider all the times God has been reliable, and be filled with His Hope.