DEVOTION – DAY 174

Romans 15:13 “Finding Hope”

 

Rom.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.

 

One of the side effects of the prolonged Covid-19 pandemic is the number of suicides in Malaysia. The number of people killing themselves has risen by 100% since the pandemic started. Psychologists blamed it on the prolonged lockdowns that have isolated and depressed people. Also, some people have also lost their jobs and businesses have collapsed. This have driven some people to lose all hope and the only release they could think of was to end their misery by committing suicide.

 

But for Christians, Rom.15:13 tells us that our hope is not based on how good the economy of the country is. Our hope is not based on whether we have a good income, or a good job, or a nice home. All these material things are temporary and may not last. Our source of hope is God. God promises that He will never leave us or forsake us. We can be confident of this promise because God always keeps His promises. God loves and values us – He has given us as His gifts to His Son, the Lord Jesus. God also tells us that we will spend eternity with Him because He had forgiven the sins of all those who have believed in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. That is why for Christians, even though they may face difficulties, they still have hope because the source of their hope, is in God and His abundant promises. Christians can look beyond their present difficulties and trust in God. Instead of despair, Rom.15:13 tells us they will be filled with joy and peace as they trust in God. Their hope will be renewed, and this hope is given to them by the Holy Spirit. This hope is not something people summon up by the power of their human will, but is given to them by the Holy Spirit.

 

We know someone who is going through a personal crisis. It is no good telling this person to think positively and snap out of depression. In this person’s current state of despair, there is an inability to do this by human effort. Instead, we offered to pray with this person and pointed this person to God. We reminded this person of a Christian’s value in God’s eyes, and offered this person hope that only God can give. With encouragement, prayer and a listening ear, we can slowly help this person to see beyond present difficulties and find hope.

 

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we worship you for you are the God of hope, the one who gives us joy and peace. Please help us to fix our eyes upon the Lord Jesus and to see beyond our present difficulties and to trust in Him. In the great name of our Lord Jesus we pray. Amen.

 

Questions

  1. What are some things that cause people to lose all hope today? Discuss.
  2. What are some things that people put their hopes on today? Can such things last? Share.
  3. Our trust and hope is in the Lord. What are some things that God has given us that gives us hope even if we face dark times? Discuss.
  4. How has God helped you in the past when you faced some problems? Share.