Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (NIV)
Many, many years ago, I claimed Romans 12:12 as my life-verse. I still contend that it is an excellent example of how to live. First, be joyful in hope, not in circumstances. My hope is in my Creator and in the fact that this world is not my home. My life doesn’t have to be a bed of roses for me to be joyful that I have my Savior and He is in control.
Romans 12:12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. (NLT)
Second, be patient in affliction. This one is tied to the first. I can be patient in affliction because I have hope in my Savior. This world, with its troubles, loss, and sorrow, does not have a say in where I spend eternity; therefore, I can endure the hard knocks of life because with God, the battle has already been won and I am more than victorious. Finally, be faithful in prayer. One version says to be persistent in prayer. Prayers changes things, even if it’s only my attitude, because prayer draws me closer to God, which helps me exchange my limited, earthly perspective for His eternal one.
Romans 12:12 Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times. (GNT)
Lord, Thank You for this day and for the reminder of the wisdom in Romans 12:12. Help me always to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. Regardless of what life throws at me, draw me closer to You. Amen.
Phil 4:13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
Have a blessed day.