I love this verse from Romans. It’s a simple verse to remember in times of discouragement. There are so many times when I need a word of encouragement like this to get me through the day. I’m sure you can relate. Dealing with a chronic illness, the death of a loved one or any other hardship can be tough. It’s a bit easier to cope with if we have some go to verses to encourage us.
The first part of this verse says to rejoice in hope. What exactly does that mean? Hope means to believe, desire or trust. I usually start out with anxiety. How am I going to get through the day? Am I going to let my family and friends down by not being able to do my part? My mind goes from worst case scenario to the next. I am getting better at this, but still need some work.When you have no hope it’s not a good place to be. Hope looks forward to the future. I know this can be hard when we don’t know what the future holds, but if God is in it we know it is going to be okay.
The next part says to be patient in affliction. There’s that word patient. Most of us don’t like that word because it has to do with long-suffering or persevering, which implies we don’t know how long it will take. The thing is, we really don’t have any other choice, but to wait. We might as well choose to wait with patience and hope for what is to come.
The last part of this verse tells us to be constant in prayer. Prayer is the thing that holds it all together. You might think how can I be constant in prayer? That sounds impossible! if you think of God as a friend it doesn’t seem so daunting. Prayer brings us into the presence of God. We can be aware of his presence while washing dishes, going to the doctor, reading to our children or talking to a friend. It doesn’t have to be formal prayer. It could be telling God what your’e thankful for, praying for the people who are in the same doctor’s office, or praying before a meal. When I have more time I like to write my prayers in a prayer journal. It helps me stay focused and I can refer back to it later and see how I’ve grown or how prayers have been answered.
I hope this verse speaks to you in your hardship, whatever that may be. Make sure to share with a friend!
I am so glad I was your neighbor at Women with Intention today.
This verse offered me much encouragement as I am feeling anxious that I am indeed coming down with the same hand, foot and mouth disease that my precious granddaughter has been dealing with the past few days.
That you so much for pointing me to my Heavenly Father and reminding me of all the hope that I have in Him.
I’m so glad it encouraged you. I’ve been needing this scripture lately myself!
I hope you and your granddaughter are feeling better soon!