God of hope

Sunday, August 2, 2020 (6:25 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

You are good. You are Healer. You are hope. And I want to be like You. Yes Lord. How do we make that happen?

By turning to You. And Your Word. Your Truth. Your promises. Mm, yes Father. It is to You we get to turn. And learn. Then sing. ♪God of Wonders beyond our galaxy You are holy, holy♪

The apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans. Chapter 15, verse 13. “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Yes please Father. According to The Passion Translation, You are “the inspiration and fountain of hope.” The words used here are that we would be filled “overflowing with uncontainable joy and perfect peace” as we trust in You. While ‘the power of the Holy Spirit continually surrounds our life with His super-abundance until we radiate with hope!’

Oh most dear and blessed God, what would that even look like? Accepting Attitudes; 15:5-13! Yes.

Illustrated Bible Handbook tells us “Underlying the teaching of this section is the fact that Jesus has accepted us, imperfect as we are. ‘Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you’ (15:7). If this is our attitude toward one another, unity will be achieved, and we will become a community which loves and praises God together, filled with joy and peace and hope.”

Holy God, this does not describe me! I confess to constantly wanting different than what You have provided. I look at the relationships of other people and too many times I want what it appears they have.

Blessed Father, teach me to not just be satisfied with what it is You have given us but to accept wholeheartedly that which You have provided. Too often I think I want more. Or different. Or better.

Your Word is filled with Your Truth. Beginning at verse four, “Whatever was written beforehand is meant to instruct us in how to live. The Scriptures impart to us encouragement and inspiration so that we can live in hope and endure all things.” Oh yes Dear Lord!

“Now may God, the source of great endurance and comfort, grace you with unity among yourselves, which flows from your relationship with Jesus, the Anointed One.” Mm, yes Father. I seek unity.

“Then, with a unanimous rush of passion, you will with one voice glorify God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 6). Oh how we long to glorify You Lord!

The Life Recovery Bible comment, “15:1-6 Showing consideration to others is crucial for successful recovery. Our human relationships are second in importance only to our relationship with God. If we are not at peace with others, we will be at war within ourself.” Yes Lord!

We look to You. Seeking balance. Healing. Hope. We love You. And we ask You these things in Jesus’ most precious name. Amen.

(504 words ~ 7:51 a.m.)