I was reading in the book of Romans before shutting everything down for the evening. Again, as often happens, a verse seemingly leaped from the page. In my lifetime, this was not my first encounter with this verse, yet it felt as if I was reading it for the first time. Romans 15:13 has been rolling around in my spirit since that evening. I have included it from two of my favorite Bible Translations: The New International Version and the English Standard Version.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (NIV)

” 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.” (ESV)

Some observations:

May the God of hope. At times we all feel somewhat hopeless. As we face trials and setbacks, we are tempted to think that we are not going to get through this trial or adversity. Have you run out of hope? Look to the God of Hope. He never runs out of hope; His supply will never be exhausted.

Fill you. When I am running out of resources, there is a place for refilling. It is God Himself, who has an inexhaustible supply of what I need.

All joy and peace. Often times I think I know what I need. God knows exactly what I need. I believe I need money, time, friends, or perhaps a new job. In fact, what is most needed is more joy and peace. I cannot think of two things more in short supply today than joy and peace. The verse does not say just some joy and peace, but ALL joy and peace. God has for you and me right now all the joy and peace we need, regardless of what is happening in our lives. What a powerful promise!

As you trust in Him. Joy and peace come to us as we trust in Him. One translation says as “I believe.” Trust and believing God are two ways of saying the same thing. Joy and peace will come as we believe and trust in God.

So, I may overflow with hope. Our God works abundantly. God does not just give us joy and hope to survive, but He gives us more than enough, so rather than getting by, we can thrive through His grace. What is overflowing in your life? Discouragement? Anger? Frustration? Hope? Not only do I need to overflow with joy in my life, everyone around me needs this hope as well.

By the power of the Holy Spirit. You cannot receive His hope and joy by trying harder, being nicer, etc, it comes only through and by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Today what are you depending on? Are you counting on the government, your bank account, your job, and your family? It is the power of the Holy Spirit that can not just change you and your life, but His power can transform your life.

I invite you to marinate your mind and heart in the truth found in Romans 15:13

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