“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
Heavenly Father, what a great verse for focusing and fueling our hearts on this this September Monday, and every day. How could we ever have too much joy, peace, and hope—especially when this triad of graces is defined and delivered by you?
Fill us with your joy, for your joy is our strength: The joy of knowing you are with us and for us, and that nothing can separate us from your love, heart, and hand. The joy of knowing you love us as much as you love Jesus, for you’ve clothed us in his righteousness and have adopted us as your beloved children.
Fill us with your no-contingencies peace: The peace that things aren’t just going to be okay, but are going to “rock” beyond all we can ask or imagine. The peace of knowing you are sovereign over kings and evil, over our most unbelieving kid and our greatest regret. The peace of believing that history is still your story, and that you will send Jesus back at the perfect moment.
Fill us with the irrepressible hope of the Gospel—so much so “abounding” won’t be a metaphor, but a reality. If we could see, taste, and smell the future you’ve secured for us by Jesus, our fears would shrink and our worries would wilt. We’d spend much more time, talent, and treasure on advancing the Gospel, the coming of your Kingdom, and loving our neighbors. May it be Father, So Very Amen, we pray.