Today’s reflection comes from Jessica Meadows. Jessica serves as our food services manager.
Today’s Reading: Romans 12:9-21
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
-Romans 12:12
Hope is something many people talk about but do we truly know what Hope is?
The American Heritage Dictionary defines hope as “a wish or desire supported by some confidence of its fulfilment.” The bible has a different definition: it’s a belief grounded in faith and based upon the promises of a God who never lies and who always keeps His word.
How can we be hopeful in such a turbulent time?
In Romans, Paul says “We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us because God has poured out His love in our hearts.” (5:3-5)
Again, later in Romans, Paul reminds us to “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. (12:12)
Lamentations 3:22-23, 25 says, “His mercies never fail… They are new every morning… The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him.”
God offers you a new beginning every day. Take Him up on His offer.
Where are we placing our hope?
In jobs?
In school?
In relationships?
In money?
All these things can distract and will disappear.
What do we do when we lose our job?
When school stops?
When relationships end?
When our sports team ceases to exist?
We are starting to find out what happens when these things are stripped away. We’re discovering not only how much attention/focus these took, but we’re also starting to realize that we can live without. We are learning that our hope can’t be in earthly things.
So where does that leave us?
What is it we can’t live without?
Does this mean we don’t and can’t have hope?
Not at all.
It means that we need to put our hope in the things that can’t and won’t change. We must find hope in the bible and in the promises of God. A hope, a promise that he will never leave us nor forsake us. These days many are experiencing anxiety, sufferings of many different forms. But take heart – God uses our sufferings to make us stronger and to help us grow closer to Him. Suffering has a purpose – suffering is not fun, but it is necessary.
Use this time to talk to God, to ask what His purpose for your life is.
How can you be a light to someone else? It might be a text to that friend that has problems at home, it might mean making a meal for a single mom that lives down the street, it might be an opportunity to mend a friendship, it could also be a time for you to be quiet and listen.
Listen to God. Pray, read your bible and just be quiet.
Hope can come in many different forms. Sometimes you are His hope for someone else and when they ask why you are different, tell them. Tell them about God and all that He has done for you. God’s love is overwhelming and filled with hope. He is your Hope.
Jessica
Verse 1
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly trust in Jesus’ name
Chorus 1
Christ alone, Cornerstone
Weak made strong in the Savior’s love
Through the storm He is Lord
Lord of all
Verse 2
When darkness seems to hide His face
I rest on His unchanging grace
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil
My anchor holds within the veil
Chorus 2
Christ alone, Cornerstone
Weak made strong in the Savior’s love
Through the storm He is Lord
Lord of all
Verse 3
When he shall come with trumpet sound
Oh may I then in Him be found
Dressed in His righteousness alone
Faultless stand before the throne
Words & Music by Edward Mote, Eric Liljero, Jonas Myrin and Reuben Morgan
© 2012 Hillsong Music Publishing.
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