Words of Hope Daily Devotional

Remain Hopeful

Read: Romans 12

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. (v. 12)

Today’s key verse contains three basic yet challenging directives. Over the next three days, we will focus our attention on the three parts of verse 12, beginning with the first part today: “Rejoice in hope.” We live in a fallen world tainted by sin. This reality can drain us of a sense of hope. However, those who have repented of their sin and placed their faith in Christ have what Peter described as “living hope” (1 Peter 1:3).

Consider the description of this hope in 1 Peter 1:3-6: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials.”

Believers in Jesus have hope, and our salvation cannot be taken away. Take time to consider the eternal hope we have through Christ and let that sustain you through whatever challenges this day brings. Rejoice in the reasons you have to be hopeful and take time to celebrate ways that others have experienced God’s rich blessings as well.

As you pray, express gratitude to God for blessings in your life and ponder the reasons you have to be hopeful.

Steve Petroelje

Steve Petroelje is a specialized transition pastor who serves vacant churches and helps them assess health, pursue missional effectiveness, and conduct a pastoral search process. He is the past-president of the Words of Hope Board of Directors.