"Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (Romans 5:5 NKJ)
It is so easy to
identify elements of life where disappointment hides. Relationships, desires,
goals, careers, health and every other unnamed expectation has an inherent
possibility of disappointment. Each failure to realize an expectation may be
construed as "suffering."
Now no one likes
suffering. Not emotional suffering. Not psychological suffering. Not mental
suffering. Not physical suffering. Please, no suffering! Yet, suffering is a
reality of the human condition and cannot be ignored or honestly denied.
So let's deal with
it. Let's overcome it -- defeat it -- or at the least not be defeated by
suffering. We may not subscribe to the Apostle Paul's attitude of rejoicing and
boasting in our tribulations (Romans 5:3), but we can understand his polemic
that we are not defeated by such aspects of this life, because our hope is
established on the rock of God's love given to us by the Holy Spirit.
It isn't easy to
accept that our troubles produce perseverance and character. Yet, our hope in
God overcomes our disappointment. Our hope in God empowers us to persevere
despite the troubles and failed expectations. And our perseverance in hope
strengthens our character. And a
maturing character strengthens our hope in God.
It is so wonderful
to have a rock that isn't a disappointment. The love of God is dependable. The
love of God is trustworthy. Our hope is based on the love of God, which he
"poured out in our hearts." When we stand in his presence, we will
not be disappointed!
Dear Father, thank
you for your love that supports our hope. Empower us to persevere through all
our troubles. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Apply hope today,
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