Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace

Romans 15:13 (Lexham English Bible)

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

It is God who fills us with joy and peace. True hope is found in Jesus Christ. The word "joy" is derived from the Greek word "chara," which signifies the experience of gladness. The term "peace" comes from the Greek word "eirēnē," referring to a state of well-being and harmony. It is joy and peace that characterize the life of the believer and follower of Jesus Christ. As we abide in Him, His joy and peace will fill our lives.

Supernatural joy and peace are only found in Jesus Christ. The joy and peace Paul writes about are not based on circumstances. We can be in the middle of a difficult trial and still feel the joy and peace of Almighty God filling us because it is not based on how we feel but on being connected to Him and encountering His presence.

Paul tells us that this joy and peace result from believing. The word "believe" translates from the Greek word "pisteuō," which means to believe, trust, or entrust. It describes the act of believing or trusting something based on its truthfulness and reliability. When we trust and entrust our lives to Jesus Christ, His joy and peace become available to us. We must remember that Jesus never promised us a life of comfort. He didn't promise that we would live our best life now. What He did tell us is that in this world we would face trouble, but fear not; He has overcome the world (John 16:33).

We can have peace and joy in this world because Jesus is on the throne. Regardless of how crazy and chaotic the world becomes, we must remember that He is sovereign over all. Paul writes so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. The word hope translates from the Greek word "elpis). n. fem. hope. This noun expresses the idea of hope and expectation. Our ability to abound in the hope found in Jesus Christ comes from the power of The Holy Spirit.

May we pray daily that we would be filled with The Holy Spirit. May the Holy Spirit lead and guide us into all hope. When we know Christ personally and intimately, we will see every situation and circumstance as He sees them. We will move beyond our human wisdom and understanding and begin to live by the wisdom of Almighty God. All that we need is found in Jesus Christ alone. I encourage you today to draw near to Jesus and seek that His joy and peace fill your life.

Prayer

Father thank you for the joy, hope, and peace that is found in Jesus Christ. Thank you for opening my eyes. Thank you for leading and guiding me in all things. Help me to see every situation as you see it. Father help me to let go of fear, worry, and doubt. Help me to be the son or daughter you have called me to be. Father in all things may you be praised and glorified in the mighty name of Jesus, Amen!

 Chris Kugler, “Faith,” in Lexham Theological Wordbook, ed. Douglas Mangum et al., Lexham Bible Reference Series (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014).

 Aaron C. Fenlason, “Belief,” in Lexham Theological Wordbook, ed. Douglas Mangum et al., Lexham Bible Reference Series (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014).

 Jonathon Lookadoo, “Peace,” in Lexham Theological Wordbook, ed. Douglas Mangum et al., Lexham Bible Reference Series (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014).

 Kenneth D. Litwak, “Joy,” in Lexham Theological Wordbook, ed. Douglas Mangum et al., Lexham Bible Reference Series (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014).