Be Joyful In Hope

As we reflect on our theme scripture for this year, Romans 15:13, our word for today is “joy.”

In Romans 12:12, Paul encourages us to, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” The context of this verse is the entire chapter of Romans 12, in which Paul compares the hopefulness of choosing faith with the hopelessness of submitting to our fallen world. Paul urges us to submit ourselves completely to God and renew our minds, so we can discern and fulfill God’s will for our lives. Verse 12 is included in the section on how to put love in action. Paul is exhorting that when we choose to be joyful in hope and to take action in the other ways he describes, God’s love flows through our lives in ways that can bring much-needed positive change to our world.

Biblical joy is choosing to respond to external circumstances with inner contentment and peace, knowing that God will use these experiences for His purpose and Glory. It is a feeling of good pleasure and fulfillment that comes from the Holy Spirit and abiding in God’s presence. Joy is not merely an emotion, but a characteristic of the Christian, produced by the inner working of the Holy Spirit. It is not dependent on circumstances but is a gift from God.

We must hold on to our gift of joy and not surrender it. John 10:10 says “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." One of the most valuable things that the enemy wants to steal, kill and destroy is our joy. We all have trials, setbacks, disappointments and heartbreak. They are unfortunately common in life. It is absolutely necessary for us to base our joy in Christ and not in our looks, spouses, relationships, circumstances, careers, health or achievements. 

All those things are conditional, but joy from Christ is permanent and eternal. Joy gives us courage to smile when our hearts are broken, motivates us to endure when we feel like throwing in the towel and equips us to trust He can always bring beauty from brokenness. Joy from Christ is life-giving. It comes through faith, that is, from believing God. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing” (Romans 15:13).

Disciplines to Remain Joyful In Hope:

1. Renew Your Mind

Romans 12:12 urges: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Mind renewal happens through inspiration from the Holy Spirit, who serves as our counselor, advocate, helper, comforter, and teacher (John 14:26). 

2. Take Negative Thoughts Captive

2 Corinthians 10:5 declares: “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” Taking your thoughts captive means stopping them before they progress to harmful thoughts like worry and bitterness.

Philippians 4:8 describes: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.”

3. Focus on the Holy Spirit

There is a strong correlation in Scripture between the presence of the Holy Spirit and the presence of joy.  In Galatians 5:22, one facet of the fruit of Spirit is joy. Acts 13:52 recounts that “the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” Joy should not be pursued directly but is the wonderful by-product of a life lived following God.

4. Study and Memorize the Word

Filling your mind with God’s messages to you in his Word, the Bible, can help you stay focused on joy in any type of circumstances.

Will you please join me in prayer now?

Father, You are the source of Joy and hope. Fill my heart with Your presence. Help me to see the blessings in my life, even when things are difficult. Help me to be grateful for all that You have given me. And help me to share Your joy with others. Amen.!

With Great Expectations,

Gwen Bradley

National Liaison for Prayer Mobilization and Partnerships

Southeast National Area Leader