The hope of God’s glory ...

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Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of God’s glory. Not only this, but we also rejoice in sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance, character, and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. -Romans 5:1-5 NET

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The path to hope passes through all sorts of dangerous and frightful territories. King David, in writing Psalm 23, likened these areas to the valley of the shadow of death. It does not seem possible to walk such terrain with peace and joy in our hearts. How can it be possible to have peace when life is unraveling? Why is it that some can lay hold of joy in times of unbearable sadness? I think that the answer to these questions lies in the words "hope of God’s glory".

I have found that hope shines brightest in my life when I understand that one day I will experience the glory of God. This hope helps me to rejoice when no joy can be found in my circumstances. It keeps me alive and causes me to endure when I want to give up. This hope of glory emboldens my character and makes me to be like the One who gave his life for me. This hope has never disappointed me. This hope causes me to embrace the love of God in my heart.

For those who suffer today Lord, we ask that you would give them a hope that will cause them to endure.

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