Hope

 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."

Romans 15:13


An atheist flatmate came to church with me one time, in my university days. This was the text preached on. At first glance it wouldn't be very appropriate because it's addressed to believers, but it showed him what he was missing.


God is a God of hope. Although he is also judge, he is never described as the God of condemnation. He doesn't want to condemn us but to give us hope of eternal life. This isn't pie in the sky when you die, this is a sure and certain confidence in the unfailing promises of a faithful God.


God isn't some cosmic killjoy out to destroy our fun. He wants to fill us with all joy and peace in believing. There's no joy and peace in believing that all we're destined for is to become worm food. But in God there is because he is the source of all happiness and contentment.


How can we abound in hope? It's by the power of the Holy Spirit, God within us, transforming us to his likeness and giving us confidence in him. People accuse believers of being weak. Well we're honest enough to recognise our human frailty. But in Christ we are strong in hope of the resurrection to come.


"God of hope, thank you that I need not despair when you are at work in me. Help me to abound in joy, peace, and hope. And please forgive me when I have an unbelieving heart- make me undivided in my devotion to you I pray. For your glory, amen"

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