“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, constant in prayer.” Rom. 12:12
Lord Jesus, there are so many awesome sets of three in the Scriptures: First and foremost You, the Father, and the Holy Spirit—our glorious Triune God. Then there’s, “faith, hope, and love” (I Cor. 13:13), “called, loved, and kept” (Jude 1:1), “grace, mercy, and peace” 2 John 1:3). Add to that list this timely Gospel-saturated triad in Rom. 12:12. Let it be, Lord.
Joyful in Hope: Jesus, our hope is built on nothing less, more, or other than you, and your finished work for us. In a world of instability, uncertainty, and “sinking sand,” you are our Rock and righteousness, the fuel for our joy and the reason we sing. If we could smell the grass of the new heaven and new earth—the green pastures we will revel in forever, we’d be less anxious and fearful, and more peaceful and loving.
Patient in Affliction: Knowing everything broken, sinful, evil has an expiration date, we can risk patience. But there’s more, Jesus. You are working for our good in the hard stuff now, and will redeem the pain behind our tears when you return. All affliction will end… “Hallelujah!” If there was such a thing as a “1-to-10 adoring Jesus scale,” we’ll go from our daily “3” and occasional “6,” to adoring you at a full bore “11” all the time.
Constant in Prayer: Jesus, we can pray without ceasing because you love us without wavering, and rule over all things without exception. Prayer isn’t us finagling “Yes’s” out of you, but discovering you are the “Yes!” to every promise God has made (2 Cor.1:20). Jesus, we pray to get more of you, not more from you. So Very Amen.