The Joy of the LordSample

The Keys To Joy, Peace and Overflowing Hope by Pastor Dave Barr

Senior Pastor of New Hope Windward – Oahu, Hawaii

Scripture

Romans 15:13, "I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit."

Observation

I remember reading about a submarine that sank in 1927.  An American submarine collided with a Coast Guard vessel off the coast of Provincetown, Massachusetts, and as a result, it began to sink. The Coast Guard and Navy sent divers to assess the damage and begin a rescue operation. As the divers got close to the submarine, they heard a sailor tapping on the hull in Morse code. He asked, “Is there hope?”

That’s a question asked every day by people experiencing various problems and pressures.  It’s asked by a couple having unresolved relationship issues, someone with persistent health issues, or finding no joy in their job, or burdened with unending financial problems. Where do you turn to find real hope?  Romans 15:13 says turn to God.  Why?  Because God is the ‘source of hope.’  Unfortunately, instead of looking to God for hope, people look for hope in their job, relationships, finances, health, and all other unstable sources. The only source of lasting hope is found through a relationship with Jesus Christ.  Paul also reveals how we can be filled with God’s joy and peace.  Simply put, Paul says, ‘trust in Him.’  Choosing to trust in God is the key to being filled with God’s peace and joy.

Application

Think of a problem that has been stealing your joy and peace.  Make the decision today to choose to ‘trust in Him.’ How? Paul says the purpose of the Bible is to give us hope!  Regularly read and apply the Scriptures to your life. When you choose to trust in God and his promises in scripture, you will be filled with joy and peace.  ‘Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.’

Prayer

Jesus, thank you for answering the question, “Is there hope?” There is a real, lasting hope that can only be found in You. (Take a moment to think about a problem that has been stealing your joy and peace.  Then pray these words).  Jesus, this problem has been stealing my peace and joy because I’m putting my hope in it.  I turn from this sin and I choose to place my trust and hope in You and Your promises!  No matter what happens, I choose to trust You.  Fill me completely with Your joy and peace.  Then I will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen!