By the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. – Romans 15:13
Believers, at times, get sidetracked by controversial issues, though they may intend to please God and do His will. In their desire for peace, justice, and righteousness, the focus on God may be lost in concerns about matters such as the economy, immigration enforcement, protests, and war. Paul says that God is the God of hope. He is the one who fills you with joy and peace so that you abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit, as today’s verse highlights. The Lord is the One in whom you trust, not political figures or cultural circumstances.
Earlier verses in this chapter describe how Christians should treat each other, meeting each other’s needs, not living selfishly, and encouraging one another. The power of the Holy Spirit is required to maintain hope when situations around you may appear hopeless. Be your own fruit inspector. Does your character reveal love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control? As you are filled with and led by the Spirit of God, this fruit will be the natural result. Yielding to the Holy Spirit affects how you treat others.
Tomorrow is Mother’s Day. As you celebrate, ask God to give you opportunities to show love and kindness to the mothers in your life. There may be a mother whose children are estranged, who has lost a child, or who has recently lost her mother, and needs comfort. Pray for those who have longed to become mothers who have not received the blessing of children. Look to God for hope, encouragement, and endurance as you trust Him and care for others. Intercede on behalf of the citizens and governing officials of the United States to act out of consideration and kindness toward others.
Today’s Verse: Romans 15:13
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.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Ephesians 5:1-2, 15-21
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
