Hope!*Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
(Romans 12:12) This verse from the 12th chapter of Romans has long been a favorite of mine. It is a good reminder that I have a hope that gives me cause to rejoice. Rejoice...no matter what the circumstances because my hope is not based on what is going on (or not) around me, but rather it is found in my life hidden away in Christ! This is not simply "put on a happy face and fake it till you make it" joyfulness. It is joy grounded in the living hope and assurance of Christ doing in me more than I can ask or imagine. In this hope I find the power to be patient even in difficult circumstances. Again, this is not just a matter of throwing my hands up in a "Que Sera, Sera…whatever will be, will be" attitude of helplessness. For me this often means that I must surrender my impatient fears and the desire to always be in control. This act of surrender opens the door for God's grace to give me the patience I need. This patience (endurance) "produces character, and character produces hope." (Romans 5:4) What are the "tribulations" in your life that God may be using to produce endurance--character--and ultimately hope? Finally, to be constant in prayer. Actually, it has been prayer all along! Rejoicing...patiently waiting before the Lord...a way of "praying always." And as I am constantly patiently rejoicing, I find that I am being changed and transformed in hope! Blessings, Matthew+ O God, whose blessed Son came into the world that he might destroy the works of the devil and make us children of God and heirs of eternal life: Grant that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves as he is pure; that, when he comes again with power and great glory, we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. BCP p. 236 * reprinted from November 22, 2019 | 
