Overflowing Hope From the Holy Spirit

Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – December 4, 2017

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.  Romans 15:13

Trust in the God of hope fills the hearts of Jesus followers with joy and peace, overflowing with hope, all powered by the Holy Spirit. Our Christian hope is secure in Christ—the originator and giver of hope—no other foundation is as unshakeable and secure as His. Like the El Capitan mountain in Yosemite National Park, our heavenly hope is massive and unmovable. Fear is unable to scale to the top, only faith is victorious because of the well worn path marked by God’s promises. Led by the Holy Spirit  joy and peace accompany those who persevere in their journey of hope.

Though Paul experienced much, much more than his share of suffering, he never lost hope but instead, anticipated hopeful outcomes and a hopeful destination. Painful circumstances were his opportunity to lift his eyes off his own needs to look to the needs of others while looking to the Lord who richly provides. This wise follower of Jesus knew he could not be the ultimate solution for those who found themselves in what seemed to be hopeless situations. Instead Paul wisely pointed them to a “lively hope”, a “hope built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness”!

“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope” (1 Timothy 1:1).

Is your hope vibrant and alive or struggling on the verge of extinction? Begin to process your hope in God with this acronym: H- heaven’s resources at your disposal for soul strength and anticipation of the Lord’s loving presence. O- opportunity to trust Jesus with conditions or critics out of your control, knowing He has your best interest in mind. P- persevere through trials as a testimony to a faith filled life. E- encouraged by the Spirit’s wise leadership and empowerment.  

Others look to you for encouragement, so keep Christ your solid rock of hope and stand strong as a hopeful example to the hurting and the hopeless. Meditate on the truth of Scripture to fuel your faith and hope in the Lord, and others will learn to draw their hope from God’s written word. Hope in man many times leads to disappointment, but hope in the Lord’s unfailing love gives peace, security and rest to the soul. When downcast, cast your cares on the One who cares most. Out of the praises from your lips will the God of hope fill your life with joy and trust in Him.

“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (Psalm 42:11).

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