The God Of Hope

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

As we turn the calendar to the month of December, we recognize that there are 25 days until Christmas. Doesn’t it seem like the year has gone by so quickly?

In Romans 15:13 the apostle Paul spoke of the God of hope. That is what the world needs today in the midst of an expanding global conflict in Ukraine, Israel, Palestine, the Middle East, and so many people here in America who daily experience so much sorrow, suffering, and pain.
Is hope in God something that thrills you? In the Christmas Carol, O Holy Night, the writer penned these words, "A thrill of hope; the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn."

Children get excited at the coming of the season and we might feel a bit of excitement as well. But sometimes work and the extra-curricular things of the season can rob us of joy. Some may even get the Holiday Blues!

So if Christ's coming into this world offers hope, and hope, as the song says, provides a thrill, how do we find that experience amid the distraction of December? Well, that's the wonderful thing about Hope. Just as total darkness can't hold back the light of a tiny flame, so even the smallest increment of Hope can provide joy and purpose.

Thought For Today: Hebrews 11:1 says, “Not faith is the assurance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen.” How can a growing faith lead to greater hope, joy, and purpose in your life?

Today’s Prayer Focus: Pray for our world in need of hope. May we be instruments of bringing hope to others. Deo Volente!