| Romans 12:12 – “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” |
The Bible encourages us to be joyful at all times but that is easier said than done! Let’s face it! When we are facing hard times being joyful can be challenging. This life, even in the best of times, is not without challenges.
One positive habit that can bring hope is to ask the Holy Spirit for guidance at the beginning of each new day. The power for hope, joy, patience, and faithfulness comes from the Holy Spirit.
Pray faithfully to increase hope in Christ. Prayer will lead to patience and joy, even when times are tough. Those who hope in God and his promises will have an unlimited supply of hope and strength.
Another small but significant habit you can practice regularly is choosing how you respond to your thoughts. When negative thoughts enter your mind, STOP, (interrupt thought, take a breath, observe your reaction, and pause and be mindful of next steps). Taking control of your thoughts means stopping them before they progress to worry and bitterness. Your mind is a God-given treasure. Use it!
Lastly, filling our minds with God’s Word can help us stay focused on joy in any type of circumstances. My favorite verse is “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
Happiness can elude us since it’s based on good circumstances. However, joy is always within our reach. We have the power to choose joy, regardless of our circumstances. When facing difficult times, lean into relationship with God. We can find joy in God’s presence no matter what difficulties we are going through, because God walks through them with us!
God, help us to realize that you are hope. You are the reason we need not fear this life. We know that as Christ followers, our hope is not on this earth but rather with you in heaven. Amen
- Donna Stauber
