I recently learned that "hope" is mentioned 137 times in the Bible. One of my favorite verses about hope is Romans 15:13.
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."
What a wonderful description of our God! "The God of hope." And if that isn't enough reason to be encouraged, the verse goes on to provide the assurance that He will fill His children with all joy and peace so that we may abound in hope. Now that's a thrill that makes my weary soul rejoice!
The last two years have been rough on the entire world. The pandemic, quarantines, inflation, war, and talk of recession. Add to that the struggles just being human and our souls can easily become overwhelmed. Yet, this season is an ideal opportunity for us to be hope-bearers. In my quiet time, the Lord has challenged me to lean into Him so my soul can be filled with hope — abundant hope. According to this verse in Romans, that type of hope flourishes in a heart filled with joy and peace, which incidentally are two other themes of advent.
Oh God of hope, flood my soul with joy and peace. Make me a vessel to pour out hope on the weary and worn around me. Let my soul to be a beacon of rejoicing that points others to Your goodness and faithfulness. Amen.
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