Do you remember looking for toilet paper during the COVID crisis? The way it flew off the shelves you’d think IT was the cure. Today I’ll talk about a couple of needed items that are never out of stock.
Welcome to “Mornings with Bishop Robert” — thanks for joining me. I’m grateful that you’re here. My goal is to introduce people to the Jesus they never knew, and help them get to know Him and His word personally – and better ! If our time together today speaks to your heart, then let me invite you to like, subscribe and share it with a friend!
When you think about it, there are only a few things that you can ALWAYS have anytime you want them.
“Health” isn’t on that list, neither are “food” nor “money.” Actually, there are lots and lots of things one would want to have on the list of things you can ALWAYS have – but they’re not there.
But, thankfully, JOY and PEACE are two things that are ALWAYS available to us.
Today’s verse says MAY THE GOD OF HOPE FILL YOU WITH ALL JOY AND PEACE IN BELIEVING, SO THAT BY THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT YOU MAY ABOUND IN HOPE
As we decide to trust in Him – that’s the believing part – God says that He will fill us with ALL JOY AND PEACE. The outcome of that will be you and I overflowing with HOPE by the power of the Holy Spirit. The word God uses is ABOUNDING. That means lots and lots. Teeming with joy. Plenteous peace. Abundant and overflowing, more than you could possibly need. A bountiful, call-your-neighbor-and-offer-to-give-some-away outpouring of hope! When you’ve got so much joy, peace and hope that you’ve simply GOT to share because your overflowing and running out of room – you’ve got joy galore and peace aplenty. And there’s no end of the supply in sight.
As one of my sons would say, that’s a “pretty sweet deal.” And all it takes is a decision. Simple, right? Well, yes, it is simple. But “simple” and “easy” are two very different things.
As we DECIDE to trust Him, God will fill us with joy and peace. Sometimes decisions require more than just an internal assent. They require an action. Sometimes i get thirsty while sitting in my office working at my desk. I know there is a jug of water in the refrigerator, and that it is only about 40 feet away from me. I can decide to go and get a drink. But deciding to move and moving are not the same! Until I actually get up and walk to the refrigerator, open the door, grab the jug, pour some water into my cup and drink — I will remain thirsty. The water is available, but I must appropriate it and internalize it if I am to be satisfied by it.
Trusting God operates the same way. I must do more than simply DECIDE to trust Him. I have to appropriate it, which means I have to take what He is giving me. And I need to internalize it. A full glass of water sitting on my desk will never quench my thirst. God is pouring out abundant and overflowing joy, peace and hope. Accept them and take them into your heart. Hold onto them. What you’ll find is that, as you do, there will be no room for those things that would crush your joy and rob your peace. The best thing you can do is give Him the things that are stealing your joy and my peace, and walk in the hope He gives.
His JOY, PEACE and HOPE are like a cup of cold water. Refreshing!
