Rejoicing in Hope

Romans 12:12 ESV
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”

These are three commands that are key to the emotional and spiritual well-being of every Christian.  Paul is not commanding his fellow Christians to be happy, rather he is telling them to have the right perspective on their situation. Often this is the most difficult thing to do.

We have so many defense mechanisms that we succumb to in any, and mostly, every situation. Putting aside those mechanisms to rejoice in hope, to have the right perspective, sounds foreign to us. Rejoicing in hope could be said, “cheerfully expectant.” (MSG) “because of our confidence in Christ” (AMP).

We typically are cautious, and if I dare say, fearful of what is around the corner or up ahead. Know God wants to do the best for us, He is never trying to trip us up. “Be patient in tribulation.” We typically are not patient when things are not going our way, or when troubles affect our lives. Sandwiched in between “rejoicing in hope” and “be constant in prayer” makes this request much easier.

I believe that is why Paul placed this statement in the middle. If we are rejoicing in our hope and we are constantly praying about all things, then we can be patient in times that are upside down and shaken up. “Be constant in prayer.” keep praying continually in every situation. During any time of trouble, while waiting for what we’re hoping for, keep reaching out to God with your words.

Prayer:
Lord, our hope is in You! Our trust is in You, in good times and during troubled times. We cannot make it on our own, even though we try to make it on our own first, typically.

Even though You already know what we are going through, talking to you about our situations always brings clarity to our minds. As we say the words, speak to our spirits and give us clarity please. In Your name Lord, Amen!