Examining Scripture:
“Rejoicing in hope;
patient in tribulation;
continuing instant in prayer;”
Romans 12:12
Evaluating Soil:
Showing hospitality can be a trying task when personal hope is lost. Who wants to host a dinner, plan an event, or have a party when you don’t even feel like smiling, much less rejoicing? Who wants to entertain when your patience is being tried by overwhelming tribulations and you not only don’t know how to pray, you don’t want to?
Being given to hospitality and presenting ourselves as holy sacrifices is challenging when our lives are a hopeless, unholy mess. But, those two things are exactly what we need to help us endure our tribulation. We weren’t meant to struggle in isolation. We need each other.
Experiencing Seasons:
I wish I could say that I’m stronger than I am. Sadly, I can quickly lose sight of my hope, lose my patience, and get lax in my prayer life. During those times of hopelessness and impatience, I want to retreat and isolate myself to work through the negative thoughts, concerns, or fears of my tribulation alone. But, that isn’t best for me. I need other’s support.
I’ve found that when I’m unable to rejoice, being hospitable is the last thing on my mind. I don’t want to be around people. I don’t want to fake a smile or bring others down. I’m just not good at pretending I’m hopeful when my heart is burdened or breaking.
That is why I make myself call a friend to share my burden or to check on them. That always helps to lift my spirits, and I usually come away feeling stronger, encouraged, and more hopeful.
Embracing Solace:
Something neat happens when we make an effort to consider others while we’re in the middle of our own crisis and struggling to survive. There is a sense of comfort in comforting someone else. Refocusing our perspective on God’s hope and helping someone bear their burdens, brings a sweet peace and clarity to our own struggles. It’s easier to have hope, when we know we have help.
“Bear ye one another’s burdens,
and so fulfil the law of Christ.”
Galatians 6:2
Enjoying Simplicity:
Offering hospitality in difficult times can be something as simple as pouring a hot cup of tea for two, sitting together, searching God’s Word, and praying for one another. As we visit, we may see our patience and hope being restored and our joy returning.
Employing Solutions:
There are many ways to be hospitable and help each other regain or retain our hope. We can:
- Rejoice for someone else’s victories or blessings,
when we feel we don’t have anything to rejoice about.
- Rely on God and other’s patience to help us cope and endure.
when we are losing patience in our situations.
- Request that someone pray for or with us,
when we don’t how or what to pray for.
- Reciprocate compassion and caring
when those who have encouraged or helped us are losing hope.
When we can rejoice in our hope, or in the hope of others, we can share the joy of the Lord with the world. Our patience in tribulation shows others how God’s strength carries us through our difficulties. And, when we consistently pray and take our requests to God, we show others that our hope is in our Creator and we trust Him to see us through our trials.
Bring It Home
Do you find it hard to rejoice with others when it’s hard to rejoice yourself?
Praying for you as we grow together,
Smiles, BRC
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