By Bridgette Langford
Romans 12:9‐12
What does it mean to have Joy?
Christ shares with us that in order for us to truly seek Joyfulness, our love must be genuine, we must hate evil, and should be devoted to loving one another above ourselves. We must have great energy and keep our spiritual passion for serving him. We must be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.
As I read this passage I began to think what does it mean to be joyful in hope, be patient in affliction and what does it truly mean to be faithful in prayer?
We have a desire for certain things to happen, but sometimes that waiting is hard. We all go through experiences in our lives. Some are good other are bad. No matter what life hands us we are to persist in our praying. This can be hard, depending on what is currently going on in your life. We must remain joyful as we wait upon the lord.
I must confess that the waiting part is hard. I often wonder how the prophets felt before Jesus came to earth. They shared with the world he was coming. They remained joyful in hope, even when they received affliction by those who did not believe. They remained faithful in prayer as they waited. This is a good example to us. We must do things with joy, passion, love, hope, and patience while remaining faithful in prayer.
I ask you to take a moment and think about the last time you were truly joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer. When was the last time you let your joy shine in loving others? As we are in this period of advent and drawing closer to celebrating the birth of our Savior, I find great Joy in knowing my hope is found in Him and I hope yours is too. I want to encourage you if you have not already done so today to smile and be the light of Joy to all those you see.
Prayer:
Father, thank you so much for being our Joyful hope, help me to remain faithful in prayer in times of joy and sorrow. Allow me to be your servant, not just during this me but always. Thank for using me for your glory. God grant me peace in knowing I am doing your will for my life. Amen.