Rejoicing In Hope

" Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." (Romans 5:1-5 KJV)

Justification by faith . . . what a thought! To be justified in the sight of God and to be at peace with him through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This is so marvelous that we cannot fathom it's depths. Many people don't know that enmity exists between them and God. They are in darkness, yet we who have heard the Gospel and believed in the only begotten son of the Father now enjoy peace with God.

It is by faith that we have accessed Jesus Christ and stand in God's grace. And as a result, we rejoice in the hope of God's good judgment toward us. It is not that we merely hope to stand in his glorious presence, but that his judgment will be gracious concerning us.

And our hope covers the tribulations we suffer in this life. Our circumstances may not always be pleasant, but we bask in the knowledge that such suffering produces patience in us. We may not like to be patient, yet in our patience we possess our souls. And we know that our hope is not in the circumstance but in the one who controls the circumstance for our good. "Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD" (Psalm 31:24 KJV).

In addition, we remember that patience produces experience. It is because we enjoy the peace of Christ within the circumstance that we talk to God, listen to God and learn what he is teaching us. "Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy" (Psalm 33:18 KJV).

And our experience in God's goodness and deliverance teaches us hope! And we are never ashamed because our hope is firmly grounded in the love of God which he gives to us through the Holy Spirit. "For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth" (Psalm 71:5 KJV). What a great God!

Dear Father, thank you for the hope we have in your grace through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Grant that we may live at peace in this hope. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Be strong and courageous today rejoicing in hope,