Romans 15:13 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.
Today’s verse is written by the Apostle Paul to the Christians in Rome. We often see this verse given as prayer and benediction. But I like it for the joy it brings. It tells us that hope, joy, and peace are found in Him. It is easy to see why these words are used in benedictions. They are inspirational and encouraging.
As Christians we face trials of all sorts. Some days it feels like we will never reach the goal, that we are struggling just to make it through the day. But we have hope through Him. Hope for tomorrow, for the future, produces strength in us to persevere. He fills us with joy and peace when we trust in Him and it becomes hope that overflows. We aren’t just filled up for ourselves, but the hope that fills us from joy and peace overflows onto others and blesses them, filling them with joy and peace, as well.
Paul starts his benediction with the God of hope. When we focus on the God of hope we are inspired, filled, encouraged. We receive the hope that only He can give (Lamentations 3:21-23). This kind of hope is only available from God. We cannot do it ourselves because we are sinners that fall short of His glory (Romans 3:23). This hope is produced by joy and peace that fill us when we put our eyes on Him.
We can be filled to overflowing with joy, peace, and hope. Are you overflowing with hope or are you struggling to survive? Rejoice in your suffering because it produces endurance which produces character which produces hope (Romans 5:3-5).
Rejoice at the joy you receive and the peace that settles over you. And let it all overflow to others!
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