Read ROmans 15:12-13
What is hope? When I look at the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, these definitions stand out:
hope (noun): a desire accompanied by expectation of or belief in fulfillment; someone or something on which hopes are centered; something desired or hoped for.
In our passage today, Paul speaks a blessing from “the God of hope.” We serve a God that brings hope, who is hope. If we need a reminder of why Jesus is our hope, we can take a look at the context of our passage, Romans 15:7-12. Paul reminds us that Christ has brought light to all peoples of the earth as it was foretold by the prophets: “In Him will the Gentiles hope” (verse 12b). This is the mystery of Christ unveiled (see Ephesians 3:4-6): the Gospel of Jesus Christ is for all people everywhere. Jesus is our hope!
Paul’s prayer doesn’t end there, however. He expects that our God of hope will fill us “with all joy and peace in believing” (NASB, 2020). Did you catch that? ALL joy and peace. God wants you to receive His goodness, to taste and see it (Psalm 34:8)! Take a moment to let that reality to wash over you. Breathe in the words: all joy; breathe out the words: all peace.
We might ask, “So what?” The reason is clear: “so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (NASB, 2020). If we are blessed by the God of hope, why would we not then overflow with that same hope? If you need a tangible promise today, then here it is: a baby in a manger; the Hope of the nations who will baptize us with the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11). Isn’t that the promise we need in this Advent season? Our God of hope forever fills us with His Spirit! Abundant hope is not a just a feeling, but a promise and reality that the eternal, resurrecting power of the Holy Spirit will fill us to overflowing with hope. Let’s breathe the promise in together. Breathe in the words: Hope abounds; breathe out the words: in me.
For Reflection:
- Write a simple Breath Prayer, similar to the ones in today’s devotional, that remind your heart of Jesus’ hope. Quiet yourself before the Lord, and breathe that prayer throughout your day and week. Let the very breath in your lungs remind you of His hope!
- Who in your life needs to hear about the Good News of hope today, either for the first time or as an encouraging reminder? Share your overflowing hope with that person today.
- Set up the stable, but leave it empty for now. From the very beginning God ruled over all of His good creation. When people sinned, God planned a rescue for them. The prophets told God’s people of this rescue plan, and it gave them great HOPE. Long before Jesus was born, God was getting everything ready..
by Melody, Field Worker
