Daily Devotional – Hope vs Hopelessness
By Robin Bertram on July 16, 2020
Our scripture for the Daily Devotional today is taken from Romans 15:14-16. Hopelessness comes, but for those who do understand that God offers hope, the very thought must soon vanish. Biblical hope is not wishful thinking. It is not crossing our fingers and hoping we get lucky
“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. 8 For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews[b] on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed 9 and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written:
“Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles;
I will sing the praises of your name.”[c]
10 Again, it says, “Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people.”[d]
11 And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; let all the peoples extol him.”[e]
12 And again, Isaiah says,
“The Root of Jesse will spring up,
one who will arise to rule over the nations;
in him the Gentiles will hope.”[f]
13 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.”
No. It is an expectation based on what is written and a willingness to come into agreement with what God has already said. We then learn to stand on His promises, regardless of our circumstances. We trust and know that God is doing what is best for us. This brings peace to our hearts and minds as we simply believe.
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:2
Know this:
Trials and tribulations build your faith.
Trials refine us.
Suffering is part of our human condition.
Suffering is part of the Christian life that is meant to bring us into a closer walk with God.
Jesus said this, ” I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33″
Apostle Paul, as he wrote in the letter to the Romans, said this,
“And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Ro 5:3-5)
Can you imagine?
Can you rejoice in the midst of your tribulation? You can. You can because you now understand this is a pathway to hope. This pathway will bring about perseverance, proven character, and hope that does not disappoint. Grab on to the truth of scripture and settle in your heart, that hopelessness has no place here.
Let’s Pray
Dear Heavenly Father,
I confess I have felt hopeless. There have been times when I could not see any good coming my way. Forgive me. Set me free from hopelessness and despair. Help me to stand firm in the hope of your word. Help me to resist these feelings that are in opposition to your promises.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
