ROMANS 15:13 | ABOUND IN HOPE

Romans 15:13 ESV says, “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.”

In dark seasons of life, it can be hard to imagine ever having hope again—much less abounding in hope. Have you ever been so stuck in a rut that your only honest thought is that you will never escape this trial?

Hopeless situations prompt us to look for relief and escape. They reveal where we are actually finding our support. In a way, trials are a blessing because they give us a chance to surrender at a deeper level. Every moment of surrender is an opportunity to make more room for the Holy Spirit in our hearts.

That matters because Romans 15:13 shows us how our true hope comes from being empowered by the Holy Spirit. But how do you gain access to this power? How do you encounter God’s presence and glory in a way that transforms grief and despair into the joy of believing in God?

First, we must recognize that we only experience God’s rejuvenating hope because he initiated it and offered it to us. God desires his people to be full of hope, peace, and joy. Understand that God has already done everything necessary to deliver these things to you.

Second, we must remember that we heard the good news because someone was sent. Whether a pastor, friend, or family member, there was someone who took the message of the gospel and proclaimed it to you. You receive peace today because someone else prayed for you. How amazing is that?

Finally, we must humble ourselves, surrender, and ask for more. The kingdom of God is not about earning wages and spending profits. It is about stripping everything away so we can come before God pure and empty-handed. Our perfect offering to God is our openness to him. God’s kingdom economy is about asking and receiving, so ask God for peace today.

I have found that in the moment, I don’t always feel like I’m immediately back in peace or joy. But as time goes on, I see that God intervened in my life to restore me.

Cling to the promise of God’s hope today. Ask for greater peace and joy. Trust that God will do it because he is good.

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