Examining Scripture:
“Rejoicing in hope;
patient in tribulation;
continuing instant in prayer;”
Romans 12:12
Evaluating Soil:
Some days life is filled to the brim with bright hope—buds blossom into bouquets and dreams flourish. Other days are heavy with struggles—plants wilt and whither, and rejoicing evades us.
It is difficult to take the good with the bad. Graciously, God gave us the instructions in Romans 12:12 to remind us to remain strong by rejoicing in hope, being patient in tribulation, and continuing instant in prayer.
Let’s consider the Greek definitions of these words as found in the Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance and find out what that means for us today:
Rejoicing – Greek #5463 – chairō
A primary verb; to be full of “cheer”, that is, calmly happy or well off; impersonal especially as a salutation (on meeting or parting), be well: –
Hope – Greek #1680 – elpis
From ἔλπω elpō which is a primary word (to anticipate, usually with pleasure); expectation (abstract or concrete) or confidence: –
Patient – Greek #5278 – hupomenō
From G5259 and G3306; to stay under (behind), that is, remain; figuratively to undergo, that is, bear (trials), have fortitude, persevere: –
Tribulation – Greek #2347 – thlipsis
From G2346; pressure (literally or figuratively): –
Instant – Greek #4342 – proskartereō
From G4314 and G2594; to be earnest towards, that is, (to a thing) to persevere, be constantly diligent, or (in a place) to attend assiduously all the exercises, or (to a person) to adhere closely to (as a servitor): –
Prayer – Greek#4335 – proseuchē
From G4336; prayer (worship); by implication an oratory (chapel): –
Notice the bold words. These words make the instruction clearer.
Experiencing Seasons:
While I enjoy rejoicing, I struggle with patience, loathe tribulation, and pray inconsistently. I do better when tribulations are held at bay. When they aren’t, I find I have to purposely realign myself with God’s ways.
When my hope is in God, and I follow His direction, my life follows a better path. However, it becomes more difficult to rejoice in my trials when I lose sight of my hope.
Embracing Solace:
Stress, worry, and anxiety are quite the opposite of rejoicing, patience, or a consistent prayer life. There is little solace found in losing hope, forgoing patience, or offering up insincere or shallow prayers.
Enjoying Simplicity:
My first response to facing a crisis is to hope it can get better. Unfortunately, without including God in the picture, I complicate matters by relying solely on my solutions or someone else to fix the problems.
Employing Solutions:
Times get tough. We can’t smile away those realities. That’s why God gives us instruction to help us find our way. We may need to adjust our misplaced hope, patience, and prayer. Consider these questions:
- Who are we hoping in?
- Are we rejoicing in that hope?
- Are we patient in tribulation?
- Are we praying earnestly?
If we have those things out of order, we can set them right today. Let’s sum up the Romans 12:12 instruction and definitions this way. We are to:
- Rejoice – Be cheerful and calmly happy, well off
- Hope – Anticipate with pleasure, expectation and confidence
- Patient in Tribulation – Keep persevering over life’s pressures
- Pray – earnestly and diligently
Our hope is in our Creator. He helps us live holy as He is Holy and overcome the tribulations of our waking moments. Let’s bow in prayer together for whatever we are facing today and lift our heads, like a sunflower, and shine.
Bring It Home
How is God helping you lift your head today?
Praying for you as we grow together,
Smiles, BRC
Aly says
“it becomes more difficult to rejoice in my trials when I lose sight of my hope.”
Yesssss! Thank you for the reminder! Christ as my hope means there is ALWAYS reason to rejoice! Amen!
Beth Rayann Corder says
It’s hard to understand how we can forget that Aly, but, I sure do.
Isn’t it great that God gently reminds us when all hope seems lost.
Thanks for your reply.
Smiles, BRC
Anastasia says
Oh yes, Amen ❤️
Beth Rayann Corder says
With you on this Anastasia! Thanks for your reply.
Smiles, BRC
Evelyn Weaver says
Thanks for your encouraging and honest words. Many, including Christians, think that Christians have it so “easy”. We are human and therefore have trials and tribulations like any other human. We just know Who holds our hope.
Beth Rayann Corder says
Thanks for your kind reply Evelyn. Trials do come to us all, but knowing our Creator is our hope sure makes facing them so much easier.
Smiles, BRC