“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
I grew up as a missionary kid in India with a lot of head knowledge about the Lord, but with a rebellious heart. As a teenager I began to wonder why many of the Christians I observed didn’t seem more joyful about their faith. Why would they want to keep something that amazing so hidden?
The Bible hasn’t concealed Jesus’ words to us about living in light of the gospel. Paul spoke boldly about what it was and what it looked like to follow Christ. He tells us that our heavenly Father, the God of hope, will fill us with joy as we trust in Him, even through life’s hardships. Hope emerges when we place our faith in Jesus. We can’t do it on our own; when we try to, we naturally grow sullen and miserable. However, God has always had a perfect plan for His children, that when we rest in Him, we are filled with joy and peace.
Yet there’s more: we will “overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” We need not carry our burdens alone. By the Holy Spirit, the living God of hope will carry us through this life. That’s a joy we can’t hold back!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stephen P. Wilkens
Born in India, Steve Wilkens grew up as a missionary kid. Later he and his family returned to the U.S. where he graduated from Azusa Pacific University near Pasadena, California, and was a part of the “Jesus People” movement of the ‘70s. After college he taught in Christian schools for five years, was a general contractor for 40 years, and has led church Bible studies for the past 50 years. He likes writing and sharing devotionals, traveling, camping, and fishing. Steve and his wife Nadene are retired and live in the Lake Tahoe area where they enjoy outdoor activities, interactions with neighbors, and time spent with their four grandchildren.
The Bible hasn’t concealed Jesus’ words to us about living in light of the gospel. Paul spoke boldly about what it was and what it looked like to follow Christ. He tells us that our heavenly Father, the God of hope, will fill us with joy as we trust in Him, even through life’s hardships. Hope emerges when we place our faith in Jesus. We can’t do it on our own; when we try to, we naturally grow sullen and miserable. However, God has always had a perfect plan for His children, that when we rest in Him, we are filled with joy and peace.
Yet there’s more: we will “overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” We need not carry our burdens alone. By the Holy Spirit, the living God of hope will carry us through this life. That’s a joy we can’t hold back!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stephen P. Wilkens
Born in India, Steve Wilkens grew up as a missionary kid. Later he and his family returned to the U.S. where he graduated from Azusa Pacific University near Pasadena, California, and was a part of the “Jesus People” movement of the ‘70s. After college he taught in Christian schools for five years, was a general contractor for 40 years, and has led church Bible studies for the past 50 years. He likes writing and sharing devotionals, traveling, camping, and fishing. Steve and his wife Nadene are retired and live in the Lake Tahoe area where they enjoy outdoor activities, interactions with neighbors, and time spent with their four grandchildren.
Scripture Focus
Romans 15:12-13
Insight
Lord, we place our trust in You. Thank You for the hope we have in You. We give You all our praise. Amen
Bible In A Year
- 1 Kings 4-5
- Proverbs 1
- Titus 1-3