This is our verse for week four and as I studied it this week, slowed down and read it, the wording and order really stood out to me. First we trust in Him. In the Greek they actually use the word pisteuó which means, "I believe or have faith in." So, first we have belief in God, then He will fill us with all joy and peace, and this then leads to hope.
And that's what stopped me. I mean, He's the God of hope, and yet instead of filling us right off with that hope, He fills us with joy and peace. Why is that?
I think it's because joy and peace are things that can be given, but hope is an expectation we must carry. It's a trust we extend. It's a part of our faith we implement and offer back to Him, He simply gives us the tools:
joy: gladness in the midst of every situation.
peace: calmness even when storms rage, no worry
With those two things, we can overflow with the hope that in all moments, in all things, God is working for the good of those who love and believe in Him. The Greek word for hope here is eiréné, which not only means trust and expectation, but also can be translated as confidence.
So we overflow (which means we have more than enough, it'll be dripping off us) in confidence that He is who He says He is. He is big enough to carry all our situations, walk us through any fire, stop any storm, deliver us from any evil, break any chain that binds us...and He's also the God who has a vision for your life and is bringing you to it.
That's the kind of confidence I want. It's not prideful, and it cannot be torn down by my insecurities because it doesn't stand on my own abilities at all--but His.
How has this verse stood out to you this past week?
This is probably one of my most-quoted verses. I just love it: joy, peace, hope, trust all in one place. One of the things that really stands out to me is the end: "by the power of the Holy Spirit." We trust in him in order to have joy, peace and hope...however, that trusting part can really be hard. It's why we need the Holy Spirit...he can help us trust.
ReplyDeleteSo true! That's why I liked it too - all three in one place. It's quickly becoming one of my most quoted too:)
DeleteAwesome!! Such great stuff and any time you talk joy you know I'm on board! Loved your teaching today!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jess:) And yes, when I saw the JOY, I thought of you!
DeleteI completely agree with Melissa and Jessica! Great stuff, as always, Susan! I'm so glad I have a day off to get caught up here, and see what you've been up to. : )
ReplyDeleteHope you're having a great week!
Michelle - yeah! Great to see you, friend:) Glad you have time off too, I've missed ya! Hopping over to your blog later tonight - I'm on the run right now!
DeleteI can't remember how old I was the day I learned that joy and happy didn't mean the same thing.
ReplyDeleteThere have been countless situations I've prayed for God's peace.
This is a great verse bringing both together to Hope.
Thanks for sharing.