Hope's Spotlight
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”- Romans 15:13
How is your hope level? The above words of Paul to the church is an invitation to engage in the fullness of God’s hope. Notice that he wants the people to receive a FULL MEASURE for their daily needs, life’s pathways, and greatest challenges. This has been a trying season for so many. Many find themselves unable to work, stuck at home, searching for supplies, or guarding against sickness.
This past Sunday I ended the message with a word-picture from the Holy Spirit of a SPOTLIGHT. This spotlight was inverted, so instead of going upward into the skies, it was shining downward from heaven, enlightening each mind. Romans 12:2 commands us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing, and perfect will.” I believe the Lord is wanting to shine His truth to our minds, in these chaotic and unchartered times. Psalm 19: 8 tells us, “The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.” Heaven’s spotlight to us is the Holy Spirit radiating His life to us and reassuring us that our lives, our needs, our valleys are never beyond His sight and care.
As we are encouraged by these truths/promises from God’s Word and as we are enlightened by His presence shining on us, let’s do a QUICK INVENTORY of our Hope level (which is far more important than having enough toilet paper):
Are you spending more time looking at news reports on COVID-19 or reading the Bible?
Have you made a point to stay connected with family and friends during this time of quarantine?
How much time are you thinking about the “What If’s?” with your job, finances, or future?
Are you taking care of your body by getting enough exercise and sleep?
What is the biggest need and/or fear you are facing? How is it making you feel? What are you doing to keep surrendering it to the Lord?
The places of our emptiness, the length of this shutdown, the unknown of tomorrow is not too big for Jesus to answer and supply. In John 16:33 Jesus triumphantly declares, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”