‘Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer’ Romans 12:12 (NIV).
What does our future hold for us? Only the Lord knows for sure. Many of us have plans for what we’d like to be doing and where we’d like to be. Think about what plans you have now. Do they fill you with hope? My hope is that they do!
This passage makes clear that it is important to have patience during difficult times. They may last a while and it can be easy to lose hope. However, consider Proverbs 17:22: ‘A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones’. Losing hope can be a downward spiral, and it can be hard to recover once you begin to form a negative mindset.
Here is where the challenge lies with you. You can choose to let tribulation bring you down. But instead consider the opposite. Instead rejoice in hope, and with the strength of the Lord your spirits will be lifted.
This can take some practice, and please do not be discouraged if at first you do not succeed. Growing in spirituality can take time and patience. The final part of our passage states “be constant in prayer”. It is okay to feel discouraged! Our prayer for today keeps these thoughts in mind:
Prayer:
“Lord please help me to rejoice in hope for the future. I want to look forward to your plans for me. Give me strength through my tribulations as they arise so that my spirit may remain cheerful.”
In Jesus’ Mighty Name,
AMEN!
Final Thoughts:
Today my hope is that you remain rejoiceful in hope of your own. If you do not find yourself there now, patience and practice will be key to your growth. Trust in the Lord’s plan! If you see others that seem caught in a downward spiral, share your joy with them too so that they may break out of the difficulties they face. There is certainly a joy you will find with such a practice!
Be Greatly Blessed!
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