Articles
Rejoice In Hope
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer (Romans 12:12)
As children of God, the hope that fills our heart is not only more than adequate to flood our hearts with rejoicing when all is well with us but it also extends even to those times when all is not well (Romans 5:1-5; 2 Corinthians 6:10; Acts 5:41; James 1:2-3). In Philippians 4:4 we are instructed to rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice. Always is one of the keywords for us in this passage. Always means at all times under any and all circumstances even in those times when we find our hearts sore troubled. This hope is the anchor of our soul, a hope that is sure and steadfast (Hebrews 6:17-19). Understand this, rejoicing is not limited just to those times when all is well with us.
The hope that dwells in the hearts of those who are children of God is more than adequate to fill their hearts with rejoicing in whatever state they find ourselves in whether it be one of peace and contentment or one of affliction, distress and turmoil. When we consider God’s love, goodness, mercy, kindness, care and compassion for us, there is not one moment of our life that we will not be able to rejoice in hope. Now, I hasten to add that it will be through prayer that the strength and courage to find contentment in whatever state we find ourselves in will be found (Philippians 4:6-7; Hebrews 4:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
I do not know what is going on in your life right now but if you are a child of God, one who believes in the Son of God, one who has repented of sins, one who has been willing to confess, one who has been baptized and now holds fast to your confession of hope without wavering, you have the greatest reason of all to always rejoice in hope, to rejoice in the Lord because your name is written in heaven (John 20:30-31; Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30; Romans 10:9-10; Acts 2:38; Galatians 3:27; Hebrews 10:19-23; Revelation 2:10; Luke 10:20; Hebrews 12:23; Philippians 4:3; Revelation 21:27). Friend, when we die, we lose nothing but we gain everything (Phil. 1:21-23). Why should we not be rejoicing in hope?
There is no denying that rejoicing in hope, rejoicing in the Lord under any and all circumstances that beset us is an important part of our life as a child of God. Rejoicing in hope, we set our hearts on His love, goodness and mercy for us. There is never a single moment in our life that the Lord cannot be trusted for support, guidance and help to sustain and keep us safe as we press on toward that moment when we will fold up our earthly tent and leave this world forever. Today we are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a peculiar people who have been rescued from the domain of darkness and transferred to the kingdom of God’s beloved Son in whom we have redemption (1 Peter 2:9; Colossians 1:12-14). Why should we not be rejoicing in hope every day?
I close this message with the words of our Lord from Matthew 5:12, “Rejoice and be glad for your reward in heaven is great.” To God be glory forever and ever!
Charles Hicks, Gallatin Tennessee
