Some days we run the gamut of emotions, don't we? We can feel anxious, happy, tired, grateful, sad, proud...and all within a matter of hours!
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. -Romans 12:12
I don't know about you, but many days I've been finding myself lacking in positive emotions...lacking in being joy-filled, patient, and faithful. With so many unknowns about what's going on in the world, it's easy to throw ourselves a pity party. But Paul's words in Romans remind us that we ought to be joyful in hope because we know the end of the story! We know that Jesus died, rose again, ascended into heaven, and will come again! We ought to be patient in affliction because "...suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope" (Romans 5:3-4). And, we ought to be faithful in prayer because "He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it" (Philippians 1:6).
Thank you, Lord, for giving us your Word. Help us use it as our guide each and every day. Because of Jesus' death and resurrection, we can be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. In Jesus' name, Amen.
-Anna Preus, School Ministries Staff Assistant