Filled with Joy, Anchored in Hope

“I pray that God, the Source of Hope will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident Hope through the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).

Welcome back dear student, firstly, next Thursday night I invite you to come fellowship with us at Word of Victory. If you’ve never been to a Bible-based worship night before you are most welcome to join us as our guest Jean Watson ministers in worship music, and prayer. Jean is an accomplished violinist and also anointed in ministering the power of God through His Word. Her personal testimony of God’s deliverance, healing and grace in her life is a miracle of hope. A night not to be missed.We all need Hope.

In times of trouble and pain, everything can feel dark and hopeless. This is the enemy’s work for he is a thief who ‘comes only to steal, kill, and to destroy’ (John 10:10). Satan has destroyed many beautiful lives however Jesus made it clear that He came to bring Life. Everything boils down to a battle between darkness and Light, death and Life (Deuteronomy 30:15). We have a choice to make – sometimes it can be hard to see out of problems, but circumstances will change – just don’t give up - press through!

God is doing a new thing – maybe you have discerned this friend, there is a shift in the Spirit – people are waking up to their need for the Living God. And the earth is crying out for the sons of God to be revealed (Romans 8:18-23). We have witnessed much sin and wickedness in our world, and sometimes it appears to not even move people. Many consciences are seared from what they have been indulging in - thinking of these things as ‘normal’. Also, the effects of abuse, tormenting fear, and unresolved pain, restricts wonderful people from receiving breakthrough. Lack of knowledge of the Word of God and understanding of God’s Love brings a deep darkness (Isaiah 60:1-2).

But God is shaking the world order - everything that can be shaken, so that only the unshakable things will remain as He promised (Hebrews 13:26-27). Things are not going to look the same going forward, no matter how desperately those who promote wickedness try to prevent it – God’s Spirit is being poured out upon all flesh – young and old and it’s a privilege to witness it. The table is set; the oil and wine of His Holy Spirit are flowing. Come, taste the goodness of God dear friend.

Believers in Jesus are called to arise and shine. He’s not talking about beauty or earthly achievements – it’s relationship with the Lord of all that brings a radiance – a glow and stability that is visible to all (Psalm 34:5-6). When Moses met with God, the evidence was that his face shone, and others asked him to cover himself. You know sometimes those in darkness hate light (John 3:16-21; 2 Corinthians 3:13-16). For Light exposes everything. The enemy operates in the power of the secret: hiding - fearing discovery.

God knows everything though, nothing is hidden from Him. His Love for each one of us is unrelenting; His compassion for us is unending, and in learning to know Him, leaning upon Him by listening to, and studying His Word, His strength pulls us through the difficult times, and joy comes that cannot be taken. Hope in God is an anchor, keeping our souls, minds, and emotions steady in every season (Isaiah 26:3; Hebrews 6:19).

“Weeping may endure for a time, but joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5).

“These three remain forever - Faith, Hope, and Love, and the greatest of these, is Love (1 Corinthians 13:13).

There is always Hope friend - hold on and don't let go.