HOW TO ACTUALLY REJOICE IN HOPE WHILE FACING TRIBULATIONS
Rejoice in hope while facing tribulations? How can that even be possible? Yet, that is precisely what Paul and Peter called us to. In the midst of our darkest moments, we are told to do just that. Yet, without at least a glimmer of hope; how does anyone get up and even put one foot in front of the other to face the day? Without a glimmer of hope, when facing dark, treacherous valleys; a person would be lost in despair and loneliness. Hope then is a good thing without which we just die to life itself.
There were many years in which I faced so many trials. Year after year in which illness, pain, loneliness, and valleys of trials were present. That was when I wrote Mountaintop Experiences in the Valley with all the raw emotions of those valleys. I am now rewriting the third edition to provide even more insight into how I survived those years and continue to face the trials that arise along this journey of life. One thing that remained although at times very dimly was a ray of hope.
[bctt tweet=”That ray of hope however dim it began was the light that kept me going forward toward JOY!!”]
Let us look at some scripture which will guide.
HOPE OF GOD’S GLORY THROUGH FAITH
“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us” (Romans 5). Our hope begins with salvation and the knowledge of the grace in which we stand firm in the knowledge that we will see God’s Glory one day. God’s love is that ray of hope to our weary hearts.
HOPE BECAUSE OF CHRIST’S VICTORY AND HIS LOVE FOR US
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls” (I Peter 1). The victory is won by Christ. We may be wounded in the battle here; but, we can be assured that the Victory will be ours. Because of all that Christ did we have hope and can rejoice in His love of us.
HOPE THROUGH PRAYER
“Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer” (Romans 12:12). [bctt tweet=”The key that unlocks our hearts to finding greater hope and joy is prayer.”]It is in those hours spent alone with God. The hope that ultimately carried me through all the years of sorrow was the time I spent in earnest prayer, alone in the early hours with God. He was there to sing over me with His Joy and rock me in His arms when all I could do was cry, sobbing against His chest. There hope was born and joy was found.
Do you have a story about hope in the midst of the storm? I would love to hear it—you can comment by clicking here.
The song I chose you for today is: Praise You In this Storm
The artist that drew the picture “A Broken and Contrite Heart” featured on my header Please go to his website ( http://www.barba-art.com) for information regarding obtaining copies or to commission him to create a masterpiece for you. In fact, if you email him today with the words GIVE, he will give you a 50% discount. Our secret, shhh. Feel free to email him at Ron@Barba-Art.com to discuss any art projects.
©2015 Effie Darlene Barba
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.