JOYFUL IN HOPE

Be JOYFUL IN HOPE, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer – Romans 12:12 (NIV)

Even in a world that is full of troubles and tribulations, it is possible to be “JOYFUL in HOPE”! Scores of people are living without hope for tomorrow. Even within the body of Christ, many are walking around with little or no joy. They get irritated when in the midst of a seemingly bad day, someone casually remarks: “Cheer up! The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Yet, the Lord Jesus encourages us to “be of good cheer” for He has overcome the world (Jh.16:33).

The testimony of JESUS in Hebrews 12:2 portrays HOPE as a STRENGTHER of JOY: “…who for the JOY that was set before Him, He endured the cross, despising the shame…” Christ’s VISION of JOY strengthened His faith to the extent that He could endure the cross, despise the shame, and ultimately attain to Glory. Whatever the “cross” or trials you may be encountering, holding on to JOY in HOPE will strengthen you to overcome and bring you through to your desired haven.

David said, “Though I walk THROUGH the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil…” (Ps.23:4-5). His hope of a table being prepared before him and his cup running over took him beyond the SHADOW of death into the SUBSTANCE of Life! What JOY do you SEE SET before you? What table do you SEE PREPARED before you? What is your vision or hope of tomorrow? “Refrain your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears; for your work shall be rewarded…There is HOPE in your future,” says the LORD…” (Jer. 31:16-17a NKJV).

Hebrews 6:19 affirms that: “This HOPE we have as an ANCHOR of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the PRESENCE behind the veil.” Psalms 27:13-14, “I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord” (NIV). Zephaniah 3:19-20 (NKJV) describes the final testimony of Hope: “Behold, at that time I will deal with all who afflict you: I will save her the lame, and gather those who were driven out; I will appoint them for PRAISE and FAME in every land where they were put to SHAME. At that time will I bring you back, even at the time I gather you; for I will give you FAME and PRAISE among all the people of the earth, when I return your captives before your eyes,” says the LORD.”

Beloved, there is HOPE in your future. When you remain JOYFUL in HOPE, God turns for you REPROACH into PRAISE and SHAME into FAME! Never ever LOSE HOPE. It is the “Strengthener” of your Joy!