ONE GREAT HOPE: Bea
And again, Isaiah says,
“The Root of Jesse will spring up,
one who will arise to rule over the nations;
in him the Gentiles will hope.”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.
Romans 15:12-13, New International Version
God’s plan of redemption was to reconcile us to each other. In Romans chapter 15, Paul is showing us that this was the plan all along. This was the fulfillment of hope for Jews and Gentiles alike.
But reconciliation doesn’t end there. Who do you need to reconcile with today? Who needs to share your hope today?
Hope comes in many forms. What I am hoping for right now—that my Covid booster won’t make me sick tomorrow—won’t mean much in a day or two. Joy, too, can be fleeting and sometimes we can’t remember tomorrow what gave us a glimpse of joy today.
We need more than fleeting hope and glimpses of joy. It is “long-haul” peace in our hearts that creates real joy. This isn’t the peace the world gives. The world’s peace just doesn’t last. We need the peace that gives us the God-given joy that fills us with real hope. This is more than human hopes and dreams—it’s Holy Spirit over-the-top hopefulness.
Overflowing hopefulness, what a gift we’ve been given! And it’s ours if we just believe.
I cried for Joy
I prayed for Peace
I longed for Hope
I tried to do it on my own
To create my joy
To broker peace
My hope was short-lived.
I didn’t know
That all
I needed
Was to trust
To believe
And all these things
Would be mine.
Dear God, create in me the faith I need to experience this overflowing hope. When things seem dark, remind me of joy. When everything around me seems shattered, fill me with peace. As I walk with you today, fill me with the knowledge that your all-encompassing hope is always there before me. Amen.
Reflect on this:
Who do you need to reconcile with today? How might an overflow of the hope you carry make this reconciliation possible?
Bea Ruoho lives in Peoria, AZ
I am a Retired Project Manager now concentrating on previous avocations of photography, sewing, and writing, and looking forward to experiencing more of the world through travel. I am currently thawing out, having returned to Arizona after a five-year deep freeze session in my childhood state of Minnesota.
Bea, I can’t even begin to tell you how much I needed your message today! I often find myself feeling disheartened because I can’t always hold on to joy. The things in this world can be so distracting. Thank you for reminding me to find that everlasting peace and joy in the hope and promises we’ve been given in Christ.
Bra, Thank you for your words. Welcome back to Arizona.
Thank you, Debbie! Joy does often seem to be something just out of reach, I can see it hovering above me and I try in vain to grasp it. I don’t think joy is always what we expect, long-lasting joy is more of a calmness in our hearts, not always an exciting, dance in our kitchen, overwhelming feeling. That kind of joy is epic and wonderful, but short-lived! I give thanks for both kinds of joy!
As we walk with the Lord today, let us be filled with the knowledge that His all-encompassing hope is always there before us. Never doubt His presence..
Thank you for this uplifting message and important reminder, Nana! It’s so easy to seek peace in fleeting areas, but there is only one lasting peace. ❤️
Your devotion reminds me of this Christy Nockels song – a favorite. https://youtu.be/dwK8DE2niLQ
Thank you, Julie! That is beautiful and I had never heard it before. I really appreciate you sharing it!
Loved your thoughts.
Thanks Nana, this is very encouraging and uplifting!! Peace seeps from the inside out, not the other way around.
Love you!