“But he’s got high hopes, he’s got high hopes. He’s got high apple pie, in the sky hopes.” Perhaps you remember these lyrics from HIgh Hopes by Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen where each verse ends with “oops there goes another…” impossible obstacle.
Do you have high hopes? Hope, peace and joy are precious commodities. Unfortunately, like delicate ornaments, too often they seem to go “kerplop.”A verse that repeatedly helps me reclaim these priceless gifts is Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” NIV
I like to divide this verse into God’s part and my part. God supplies the hope, joy and peace. He does not expect me to manufacture them. God’s ample supply doesn’t just meet my need, but overflows onto others. I become a conduit of God’s hope. Picture a child going to his dad and asking for cash to go someplace special. His dad pulls out enough bills to not only send him but enough to invite a friend.
Did you identify our part in receiving peace, joy and hope? I think it is found in the five little words “as you trust in Him.” Our part is trust. Notice, it does not say: as you trust in hope, trust in your ideas, trust in your efforts, or trust in people. Joy and hope come from trusting in HIM. He is the God of hope, not the God of disappointment, pessimism or indifference. Waning joy should alert me that I am not trusting Him.
Many times when I come to a crossroads and don’t know which way to go, I remember these words and smile. He knows. He will lead me. When I fear I have made a mistake, I remember these words and relax, He can fix any mistake I’ve made. Since He promises to work all things, even sins, together for His child’s good (Romans 8:28), I can certainly trust Him to handle whatever is nibbling at my peace. We must focus on His sufficiency instead of our inadequacy or problems.
Problems — not joy and hope — are fragile for those who trust in God. “Oops there goes another problem — kerplop. Kerplop!”
In hope,
.
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Thank you for reminding me where my peace,joy and hope come from.
Your devotions always are just what I need to start my day!!
Perfect! I needed this reminder. I am so glad we can trust HIM and that He can take our mistakes and make them work for good! The more I trust Him the more peace I have. The more I look to myself or others the less peace I have. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and for your transparency.
Thank you for reminding me. I walk in trust more often than I used to but its still an imperfect gait. I’m working to appropriate HIS peace in my life and HIS joy. You encourage me.
Happy New Larry and Debbie,
Just what Sara and I needed to hear on a gray January day. Good news is that the sun is shining brightly on the other side of those clouds and that His peace, joy and presence breaks through when we trust an place our hope in Christ and Christ alone!
Thanks for the reminder,
Earle and Sara