Joy and Peace

Romans 15:13a
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him…”

Have you ever felt completely fulfilled? Have you ever felt so secure, so confident that everything was going to be alright, that you were at the point of unquenchable peace? What if I told you that you can have that anytime you want?

Paul says that God is the God of hope. The God of hope can make anything happen at any time, any place, no matter what is going on around us.

Joy is fulfillment. It is an intense, long-lasting, satisfaction that cannot be tainted by external circumstances. It is not just happiness that relies on certain circumstances, it crosses over the boundaries of circumstances and finds that inner contentment.

Peace is a calm that has to be experienced. If I were to tell you of my peace, it may not relate to your peace. The peace that the Bible describes is a peace that passes all understanding. As I said, it has to be experienced.

Paul is pronouncing a blessing on those that he is writing this letter to. He says that if we will accept that God can do anything, any time, any way, (which means that He already purposes it to be) it will fill us with all joy (unquenchable joy in every aspect of life) and peace (complete serenity) as we trust God (never questioning His motives or methods just believing He wants the best for us).

Prayer:
Lord, we receive all the joy and peace that You have for us. We trust You without reservation, and we believe with all hope that You will provide EVERYTHING that we need for our peace, joy, and contentment. In Your name we pray, Amen!