The Greatest Helper, the Holy Spirit Guides, Strengthens and Comforts BelieversНамуна

The Holy Spirit fills believers with joy, peace, and hope.

“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.” (Romans 15:13)

As Christians, we have good reason to be hopeful. After all, the Bible is full of promises of a glorious future with Christ. Yet sometimes we can lose hope when we look at all that is going on around us or in our own lives. Then God's future sometimes seems so far away, or we begin to doubt the truth of His promises. Thus we risk losing our joy in life. But even in this, the Holy Spirit is a helper. By His power we can “overflow with hope,” which will then lead to joy and peace.

In Acts 13, we see this happening. When Paul and Barnabas want to share the Gospel, they are chased out of the city. Now that's not exactly encouraging. And yet they are full of joy! How this is possible is clear from the following words: they are also filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:52).

Another important verse is Romans 14:17. Here we are told that “joy in the Holy Spirit” is an essential part of God's Kingdom, along with righteousness and peace. God wants to fill you with joy!

Lord God, we look forward to your new world. Help us to hold onto that hope through the power of Your Holy Spirit!