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Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. (Romans 12:12)

Everyone is telling us that we are going through troubled times. We cannot turn on the television without hearing something about the worldwide pandemic. Those of us who feel a sense of responsibility for the welfare of not only ourselves, but for others too, are following the advice of doctors and scientists. When we look at the calendar, we see that it has not been awfully long since things have morphed into this nightmare. We ask ourselves when it will all end, or for that matter will it end.

Finding hope during all that we are going through can seem like a fatalistic exercise; however, it all depends in whom our hope lies. The Apostle Paul, the writer of the Book of Romans tells us in verse 12 of Chapter 12 that we are to rejoice in hope. He is not suggesting that we lend ourselves to some mental exercise, where we try to psyche ourselves into to ease the reality of the times. He is saying rejoice in the One who is hope. That person is Jesus. With all that is going on now, we can take stock in the promises of Jesus. One promise He has made clear is that He will be with us no matter the circumstances. Of course, those of us who have placed our life in His hands can be certain that no matter what happens, we will be with Him eternally. This is not some by and by when I die promise. Eternal life started the minute we accepted Him as our Lord and Saviour.

When we place our hope in Jesus, we can weather any storm, any tribulation that forces its way into our lives, coronavirus included. Realizing this, brings about a calming sense of patience that ramps down the tumultuousness of whatever tribulation we might be going through to a simmer. This cannot be done without staying connected with Jesus via prayer; prayer that surpasses mindless recitations. This kind of prayer is characterized by opening our very souls to Jesus, letting Him see the raw emotions we might be feeling, the need for His help in getting us through the darkness.

You want hope, turn to the One who is hope.

I’m old and blessed…hope you will be too.