October 30, 2004

THE GOD OF HOPE

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace... that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15:13, NKJV).

Everything about the gospel is hope-inspiring. The nativity, the empty tomb, the parousia, the ultimate restoration--all are hope-driven events that produce peace and assurance. To the believer, the word, hope, is packed with special significance. "All our hopes have their foundation in Christ."--Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 56. Hope is not mere wishful expectancy. It is the joyous and certain anticipation of something good based on what God has already done and is doing for us. As the God of hope, Jesus not only offers us hope, He is the very source of hope. Without Him there is no hope.

Paul prays that we might be filled with "all joy and peace." Joy and peace are trademarks of the hope-filled life. Jesus reminded His disciples, "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full" (John 15:11, NKJV).

The God of hope is the only one who can give this abiding peace. His parting words to His disciples were, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you" (John 14:27, NKJV). The full life is the life that is characterized by joy and peace and hope in the God of hope. God's hope-filled people are constantly driven by the assurance of the blessed hope. Those who are filled with hope face even death with triumphant hope because the God of hope has already triumphed over death and the grave. We face the future full of joy, with the assurance that when He shall appear we shall be like Him for we shall see Him as he is (see 1 John 3:2). "All who possess this hope will purify themselves even as He is pure. Such are free from restless longings, repinings, and discontent."--Sons and Daughters of God, p. 310.

My Prayer Today: Lord, fill me today with joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.