Thomas Jefferson gave us this bit of wisdom:
Note how the following authors demonstrate this most valuable of all talents:
- “It is good people who make good places.”—Anna Sewell, Black Beauty
- “Trials come to prove and improve us.”—St. Augustine
- “Change always comes bearing gifts.”—Price Pritchett
Conciseness contributes to effectiveness, agreed?
In Romans 15:13, the Apostle Paul wrote a magnificent but concise blessing for the Christians in Rome. He brought together five key concepts of our faith—hope, joy, peace, trust, and power—in just thirty words or so, depending on the translation:
Whole books have been written to expound on each concept. But since this is a blog post, not a treatise, I’ll try to keep it short—and concise!
HOPE
Our Christian hope is not wishful thinking; it is confident reliance on the sacred certainties of our Heavenly Father.
Paul calls him our God of hope because of his glorious attributes manifested in our lives—his omnipotent power, gracious mercy, continual patience, lavish kindness, and absolute reliability—to name a few.
And with statements of faith we can bolster our hope—statements such as these:
- “God is kind and good, wise and powerful. All his attributes are always at work for my benefit.”
- “God is accomplishing purpose in these circumstances, just as he always does.”
- “He will bring me through this situation, and I’ll be a better person for it.”
JOY
Joy is not the absence of all misery and the presence of every whim; joy is found in the presence of God.
Sound silly? Talk to an old saint who has walked with Jesus many years—who’s felt the Lord’s presence surrounding him, heard God’s whispers in his heart, and experienced his guidance and provision again and again.
This saint will tell you: the pleasures of this life don’t begin to compare to the soul-delight of intimacy with God.
PEACE
Peace is not found in circumstances; it’s found in a Person, the Prince of Peace. The better we know him, the better we know peace.
Tension decreases as we affirm:
- He is completely trustworthy.
- He knows everything; he’s in control of everything.
- He takes pleasure in blessing us with all that we need.
- He is with us to comfort, strengthen, and encourage.
- Even in the midst of difficulty, we can experience his peace. In fact, it’s a promise.
TRUST
It’s God’s part to work all things for good; it’s our part to trust.
The question becomes, What can I do to grow in trust?
The answer: express gratitude. “The foremost quality of a trusting disciple is gratefulness”[1].
So thank God, even in the midst of frustration, disappointment, heartache, and pain. “There’s a good God leading, working all things into good. It is safe to trust”[2]!
POWER
The power to thrive does not come from within ourselves; it comes from the power of the Holy Spirit.
Do circumstances appear impossible to rectify? Think on the power of God. He scatters the stars in space. He breathes life into every creature. He provides everything necessary to sustain our little planet.
It’s that kind of absolute, unlimited power that will see each of us through every crisis until we’re home with him.
And so, in one concise verse Paul majestically highlights five pillars of the abundant life.
When we embrace the hope, joy, and peace that God offers, when we trust in him with expectancy and resolve, when we pray for his power to be released in and through us, our lives and outlook will become radiant and alive[3]!
Doesn’t that sound like a glorious way to live?
Scriptures for further reflection:
Hope–Psalm 145:8-9; Daniel 2:20; John 5:17; Philippians 1:6; Romans 8:28; James 1:2-4
Joy–Psalm 16:11; Psalm 71:5-8
Peace–Deuteronomy 32:4; 1 John 3:20b; Jeremiah 31:3; Philippians 4:19; Deuteronomy 31:8; Isaiah 40:29-31; Philippians 4:6-7
Trust–Proverbs 3:5-6; Psalm 9:10; 28:7; 112:7; Colossians 2:7; Psalm 110:4-5; 1 Peter 1:6-7
Power of the Holy Spirit–1 Corinthians 8:6; Psalm 8:3; Job 12:10; Psalm 46:1
Notes
[1] Brennan Manning, Ruthless Trust, 24.
[2] Ann Voskamp, 1000 Gifts, 155.
[3] The last clause is based on Touchstone’s revised version (1995) of the J. B. Phillips’ translation for Romans 15:13.
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From the Inside Out 
What a rich and comforting blog, Nancy! How often I take these precious gifts of God for granted. Like you said, joy is found in the presence of God. Even if my present situation is at times stressful or dismal, there is joy as I spend time with God. Thank you for pointing to these wonderful truths…truths we can never tire of hearing.
You DO find joy, Patty; it’s reflected in your blog every time you post! So glad you found richness and comfort in these words, my friend. Praise God for his inspiration and guidance!
Hope equals confident reliance! Amen.
So glad you found that statement meaningful, Robert!
The most glorious way to live, indeed, Nancy! Oh, that more of us would recognize God’s absolute power, give thanks to Him for every blessing, and let our faith and trust flourish in His presence. I know I need the reassurance of His control in my life to withstand all the craziness and ungodliness apparent in this world today.
By the way, I consider Thomas Jefferson one of the most brilliant man who ever lived. Such a shame that so many Americans deem it right to tear him down.
Blessings!
I agree, reassurance of all that God is and all that God does helps to keep our faith strong. I too need to keep mindful. I also agree Thomas Jefferson is a worthy hero to know–a true renaissance man, what with his talents as writer, architect, inventor, scientist, lawyer, linguist, and more! I wonder if those who tear down such heroes, who sacrificed much so that we could live in a free country, ever consider the legacy they will behind?
Thank you, Nancy for this encouraging post. Joy does not depend on our circumstances, but in knowing the One who brings peace and comfort to our soul!
Amen, Pam! I deeply desire to stay mindful of that truth so when difficulties arise, I’m ready to fight all the accompanying negative emotions with the peace and joy Jesus provides.
I absolutely love your succinct way of defining hope; it is confident reliance on the sacred certainties of our Heavenly Father. perfect definition
Thank you, Brenda. Praise God for his inspiration!
I love the Jefferson quote, Nancy, for I am all about “conciseness” in my writing as well. Jefferson was a self-proclaimed Christian, an Episcopal. Even though his thoughts on religion were a little unorthodox for his time he at least believed in “the simple teachings of Jesus Christ”. Have you ever been to Williamsburg, VA? Among the several character actors walking around the village is Jefferson himself. The man who plays him is remarkably realistic in dress and in speech. You’d swear he time-travelled from the 1800’s.
Funny you should mention Williamsburg! I have been there at least eight times. At the school where I taught, we took our fifth graders there every fall for that many years. I enjoyed it thoroughly every time. We never did run into Thomas Jefferson–I’m disappointed! But I do remember Martha Washington, and I agree–the experience does feel like time-travel!
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!
Such encouraging and inspiring truth!!
Thank you, Stacy. Praise God for his inspiration!
This post is so equipping and encouraging to read this morning, thank you, Nancy. A glorious way to live, indeed!
Thank you, Laurie. I’m delighted you found encouragement here!
Food for thought. I love the way you write. Your words are encouraging and inspiriting.
Praise God you found inspiration here, Carolyn. Thank you for YOUR encouragement!
Thank you, Nancy, for this inspiring blog.
Someone mentioned Jefferson and Williamsburg and what a great experience. I sometime don’t write like Jefferson, but I always try to use words that most people don’t have to look up in a dictionary or google. I remember a black professor from the nearby college playing a slave and slave owner. I learned so much history about slavery from the professor who played a Baptist preacher who was a slave and owned slaves. Baptists were not allowed to have a church at that time as they were considered loud and unruly. 🙂 We could not ask questions unless presented in the time period. There was Washington, Patrick Henry and so many others walking around, giving speeches. It truly was time travel in a sense. Sam
I wonder where all those history-interpreters were when we visited?! We didn’t get our money’s worth! : )
A wonderful reminder that everything we need for any circumstance is found in Christ.
Isn’t HE wonderful! (Remember that old chorus?) Thank you, Cheri!
I do remember that song! So many come to mind like ‘Wonderful Grace of Jesus’. That one was so fun to sing with the counterpoint going on!
That was my dad’s favorite!
So sorry Nancy! That is sad. They were the most interesting part. Just like you were in those times. The next time I was there… he was not. I think it would be fun to go dressed in the period pieces….if it is not July or August. Hope the next time you go…all the presenters are there. You will love, I am sure.
Sam
I think I’d enjoy working there as an interpreter!
a post full of hope and inspiration and a ton of wisdom too. Thanks so much for your creativity
And thank you, Jean, for your faithful reading and encouragement. I’m so glad you found hope, inspiration, and wisdom here. Praise God for his guidance!
Amen Nancy!!
Thank you Kristi Ann. As always, I praise God for his inspiration!
“When we embrace the hope, joy, and peace that God offers, when we trust in him with expectancy and resolve, when we pray for his power to be released in and through us, our lives and outlook will become radiant and alive[3]!”
Nancy,
I know we’ve never met face to face, but if we did, this is what I would be greeted with. Your radiance shines right through your words!
Always so grounding and beautiful—💛
Thank you,
Deb
Aw, Deb, such kind, encouraging words! I pray your statements might stand true.