Abounding in Hope
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Romans 15:13). I don’t know that there is any worse feeling than that of hopelessness. Left unchecked, it is soon followed by despair. These strong feelings present themselves those who are suicidal. Satan desires humans to die in sin so they may accompany him to the place prepared for him and his angels (Matthew 25:41). Satan does not want people to have hope, and that means that hope is a powerful tool of God for good. God is the God of hope (Romans 15:13). This verse also presents a connection between joy, peace, faith, and hope. Joy, peace, and faith are powerful tools of the Holy Spirit that enable the Christian to abound in hope. Having a life filled and overflowing with hope is a process that begins with faith, the foundation of joy and peace. It is “in believing” that God fills us with joy and peace. Faith comes by hearing God’s word (Romans 10:17). Joy and peace are the natural results of believing (in an obedient way) God’s word. The Ethiopian nobleman went on his way rejoicing after believing (in an obedient way) the word of God (Acts 8:39). Peace comes from the fact that we have Christ as our reconciler (Ephesians 2:1422). It is a blessing of putting our trust in Christ. Philippians 3:6-7 emphasize the connection between trusting in God through prayer and receiving the peace of God that passes all understanding. When we have faith producing joy and peace, then we have wonderful hope in the One who can bring the abundant life both now and in eternity (John 10:10). God bless you, and I love you. Kevin Cauley