The Apostle Paul included a curious instruction for us in Romans 12:12:
Does it pique your curiosity too? I can see rejoicing in the hope of salvation from death, the hope of blessings yet to come, and the hope of intervention in our lives. But HOPE in and of itself?
In addition, there are occasions when our hope is desperate, accompanied by impatience, fear, and anxiety—certainly not rejoicing.
So what did Paul mean?
Later in this letter Paul gives a clue in Romans 15:13. There Paul calls God the “God of hope.”
To rejoice in the God of hope, no matter our circumstances, increases our confidence in him to bring us through what we face. Such hope is like an anchor for the soul (Hebrews 6:19), offering stability for our lives. Now that’s something to rejoice in!
I pray the following truths about God will cause more joyful hope to overflow in your heart:
We can depend on his TRUSTWORTHINESS–even in the midst of trouble (Psalm 9:9-10).
God will not permit any troubles to come upon us,
unless he has a specific plan by which great blessing
can come out of the difficulty.
–Peter Marshall
He can wield his REDEEMING POWER over any situation (Matthew 19:26).
There is no situation so chaotic that God cannot from that situation,
create something that is surpassingly good.
He did it at the creation. He did it at the cross. He is doing it today.
–Bishop Moule
In his Word we find his soul-strengthening AFFIRMATION and calming ASSURANCE (Psalm 19:7-8).
His NATURE includes numerous, magnificent attributes, which he employs on our behalf (Psalm 145).
Take note of these examples:
God possesses all strength to help us, all wisdom to guide us,
all mercy to pardon us, all grace to enrich us,
all compassion to comfort us, all goodness to supply us,
all happiness to crown us.
–Thomas Brooks, Puritan Minister
And those descriptors just touch the surface!
God’s SOVEREIGNTY over all things (Jeremiah 32:17) includes the timing of his interventions.
Hope waits because hope believes God works
all things together for our good.
–Shelly Miller(on her blog, Redemption’s Beauty, 11-2-17)
Out of his FAITHFULNESS, God bestows hope. We don’t have to search for it; we don’t have to muster it ourselves (1 Peter 1:3).
Christ proved to be the victorious OVERCOMER, no matter what the world hurled at him (John 16:33): every temptation, every discouragement, every setback, and more. And though we could never measure up to his perfections, he makes us victorious overcomers too (Romans 8:37).
Victory begins with the name of Jesus on our lips.
–Frances Frangipani
His RESTORATION upon our spirits fortifies hope (Isaiah 41:10).
[God can] avail and restore the beauty and freshness of the blighted oak.
The Divine Gardener is perfect at the task of transforming withered trees.
–Herbert Lockyer, Seasons of the Lord, 7.
God’s MINDFULNESS of us never wavers (Psalm 40:5 ESV).
His EXCELLENCIES defy our ability comprehend (Psalm 145:1-3).
God’s beauty is divine, eternal, and infinite. He is beautiful.
He always has been and eternally will be.
God’s beauty defies our ability to comprehend.
–Charles Simeon, Puritan Minister
God’s loving DETERMINATION keeps him from ever giving up on us (1 Corinthians 1:7 MSG).
If you are seeking after God, you may be sure of this:
God is seeking you much more.
He is the Love and you are His beloved.
He has promised Himself to you.
–John of the Cross, Spanish priest (1542-91)
And when we consider all these attributes of our God of hope—his . . .
Trustworthiness
Redeeming power
Affirmations and Assurances
Nature above reproach
Sovereignty
Faithfulness
Overcoming victory
Restoration
Mindfulness
Excellencies
Determination . . .
. . . we find ourselves rejoicing in confident hope because such truths have TRANSFORMED our spirits.
I pray that’s your experience today!
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We always have hope in any circumstance when we have Jesus
Amen, Matt–such wonderfully encouraging truth!
Thank you for these powerful quotes and scripture describing our God of hope. The way you expounded upon each of His attributes was a beautiful way to reveal His mind-blowing splendor. Thanks, Nancy! 🙂
You’re welcome, Nancy. Our heavenly Father does indeed manifest numerous mind-blowing splendors. It does my heart good to meditate on them. I know you feel the same!
I loved the way that you transformed this curious statement into a solid base. Especially, “Such hope is like an anchor for the soul” Beautiful, Nancy!
Thank you, Wynne. Years ago there was a popular song, “In Times Like These,” that included the lyrics: “Be very sure your anchor holds and grips the solid Rock.” I hate to think where I’d be without God, my solid Rock!
Your post today absolutely transformed me, Nancy! That acronym was NOT easy to do, yet you helped us to direct us back to the fealty of our everlasting Father and His unending love for us. When we are in Him, we are transformed because He knows what is best for His children. May He transform all people to see Him for who He is and to love, revere and worship the one true God. Blessings!
Praise God you experienced transformation here, Martha! Reviewing God’s attributes will do that; worship augments that impact. “Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them” (Psalm 111:2)!
We can’t ponder enough the many attributes of our holy God, Nancy. They truly do inspire hope that “breeds inward joy.”
Amen, Dora. David wrote, “My soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him” (Psalm 62:5). One way to find that rest is to ponder God’s attributes!
That passage in Romans 15:13 has been foundational for me for years because hope doesn’t feel natural for me, but seeing God as the God of hope means He uses His Spirit as the conduit for His hope in me. The quotes you’ve used are so encouraging, and I’m grateful for your diligence in finding them to remind us of truth and hope.
Romans 15:13 is a wise choice for what some people call a life-verse, highlighting as it does the hope, joy, and peace we experience while trusting in God. I’m so glad you found encouragement in the quotes included here. Some came from my 30-plus years of collecting; others I did seek out. We can learn MUCH from the likes of Spurgeon, Brooks, Marshall!
Your posts are always filled God’s enduring love, His kept promises, His grace and compassion for all who believe Him. Thanks for sharing those amazing attributes of the only true God.
Thank you, Cathy. We can do our hearts a world of good just by meditating on God’s attributes and promises. I know you agree!
Yes indeed💕
I find it inspiring that a person like Frances Havergal speaks the words of unconditional faith for having lived only forty-three years. I have her by twenty years and I’m still working on it! 🙂
Agreed, David! I wonder what circumstances pressed her into deep faith? Now you’ve got me curious. Don’t be surprised if you see a post about her in the future. I’m adding her name to my list of possibilities, thanks to you!
Glad to be of service 😉
Oh yes, Nancy, we can rejoice in hope because He is the God of hope!
Wonderfully reassuring, isn’t it! Praise God we are NEVER without hope!
Ahh, yes, the timing of those interventions! Sometimes I don’t know if it’s harder to hear a “no” or a “not yet”and spend a whole lot of time wondering when “not yet” expires!
You’re right, Stacey–both are difficult to navigate!
Indeed!
God’s timing/the fullness of time are essential to me while I am in a waiting period for an answer to a particular prayer. Your post is an affirmation of hoping in Christ.
May God bless you during your season of hope, Linda!
Thank you, Nancy! 💜🙏✝️
“My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness.”
On Christ the solid rock , I stand! Thank you Nancy for scriptures and quotes that direct us to our Hope!
I remember that hymn well, Pam. Those lyrics (and upbeat melody) are useful to know by heart!
Nancy,
Thank you. Hope gets so beat up in this world. But I know the Lord can use anything to restore our hope. Even so pretty weird and crazy stuff. In Christ, Gary
Gary Avants Forbear Productions * *garyavants66@gmail.com garyavants66@gmail.com
Good point, Gary, that the Lord can use anything to restore our hope. We’d be wise to keep our eyes open for his encouragement to hope–in scripture, other reading, worship songs, interactions with others, etc. He’s always speaking; the question is, are we listening (Job 33:14)? Lord, help me live alert!
Yes.
Gary Avants Forbear Productions * *garyavants66@gmail.com garyavants66@gmail.com
Can you believe it that a couple of weeks ago I changed my Facebook cover photo to ‘REJOICE IN HOPE’? Coupled with your blog this week I realize God wants me to focus on the wonderful hope that he provides his children always! When I become disillusioned or discouraged by what life throws my way, I have made it a habit to cling to that promise of hope. Peter Marshall’s quote “God will not permit any troubles to come upon us, unless he has a specific plan by which great blessing can come out of the difficulty” is so comforting. Not a day goes by when I do not realize the gift of hope which restores my soul.
I love it when God affirms more than once a particular truth or word of encouragement. / Isn’t that a great quote from Peter Marshall? Such a perspective helps me to remain positive, knowing that even if I struggle, perhaps my difficulty may help someone else. / You are so right, Cheri. Hope is indeed a precious gift, refreshing the soul!
Amen ❤ in JESUS ❤
Thank you Kristi and praise God!