HOPE, JOY, AND PEACE
The Apostle Paul has an encouraging, loving, and direct way of writing letters. He consistently demonstrates true love for God's people while also pointing out the importance of living a godly life, helping us stay on the righteous path to eternal life. We all need a Paul in our lives, a friend who has a heart free from jealousy, deception, and hidden motives—someone with only the intention of seeing us succeed in our eternal soul's journey and relationship with Jesus.
During this time of year, the word anticipation comes to mind. The pleasant feeling of hope and desire for connection. The Christmas lights bring a positive sensation of warmth and comfort. For others, this time of year brings fear, anxiety, and negative expectations. The negative feelings can leave us feeling anxious and in suspense about what’s to come. Those who look forward to upcoming events may not understand, and might even dismiss, those who feel anxious during the Christmas season, leaving loved ones feeling inadequate and retreating, feeling ashamed.
Faith is a gift from God and should be celebrated during both our happy and challenging times.
Not sure where to begin? Close your eyes and talk to the God who has supreme power over all things and gives in His strength as your defender. Trust and do not be afraid, for God protects you and sent His only Son so that you may have salvation. With this almighty God by your side, all things that are good are possible. God surpasses all adversity to make a way directly to Him.
Believing in God and having faith in His promises for a future filled with joy and peace is where you will find fulfillment. Not in man, not in things, and not in anything of this world.
Hope and fear are common feelings that arise in response to the potential for positive or negative events in the future. If you focus on the negative and find yourself stuck there, you need to put your hope in Jesus. In your circumstances, faith in Jesus brings a promised future filled with joy.
Fulfillment of faith is a deep journey of committing to a belief based on the hope that a loving God guides us toward a brighter future. This journey involves a steadfast anticipation that demonstrates the courage to confront challenges directly. It involves taking bold risks in the face of adversity, confronting fears, and standing up to one’s enemies. It represents a steadfast willingness to endure life’s trials, nurturing resilience that strengthens our spirit and deepens our connection to our beliefs.
Reflection:
Faith inspires a hopeful anticipation of the fulfillment yet to come.
What fear or negative anticipation do you need to trust God with?
How do you need God to come to your defense in His strength today?
Pray this verse:
May the God of HOPE
fill “me” with all the JOY and PEACE
as “I” TRUST in him,
so that “I” may overflow with HOPE
by the POWER of “His” Holy Spirit.”
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