Romans 15:13 (CEB)

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in faith so that you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.


Reflection

The Holy Spirit, overflowing us with hope.

God, filling us with all joy and peace in faith.

I feel like often we have this sort of language, as if we’re a cup of water, being drained by the world around us. And it is by God, Jesus, The Holy Spirit alone which can replenish us. It can often feel that way, can’t it? That the world in all it’s sin, it’s challenges, it’s setbacks, it’s anxieties, it’s pains can take from what we have.

That’s why turning to God is so important. That’s why having a community to lean on is so important. That’s why practicing spiritual discipline’s is so important.

So that when the world does drain too much of what we thought we had, we have already developed this reflex of sorts that turns us toward God. And that faith is what can bring us peace and joy when that’s the opposite of what the world is giving us. That faith is what can overflow our very cells with hope that God is mightier than the trials of this world. And when something overflows, that means there’s more than enough to offer others, maybe to those who don’t know to turn to God, those who don’t have a community of faith that will hold them together, or a spiritually rich routine that reminds them daily of the importance of their faith.

Turn to God, overflow with the hope God gives you, then share it.

By Rachel Callender


For Pondering & Prayer

What does this image of being a cup that can be drained or filled with hope mean to you? Is this something you can resonate with? When was a time when you felt like you were overflowing with faith and hope, enough to share? Where are you today: overflowing, almost full, or perhaps quite drained?

Prayer: Holy God, fill each us us today with a faith that brings us joy in dark times and peace amidst chaos. Overflow us with hope that you, God, are in-charge and will always be with us. Amen.