Need Encouragement?

In these times, who does NOT need encouragement – and hope and joy and peace and truth!

I ENCOURAGE you to look with me at Romans 15:4-13 where we find all of the above addressed.

Verse 4: Paul writes, “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, that through perseverance and ENCOURAGEMENT of the scriptures, we might have hope.”  There is overwhelming evidence that we can be ENCOURAGED through the Word of God, cover to cover!

Verses 4, 12, 13: HOPE is expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen. It’s interesting that the word “HOPE” appears three times in just this passage, alone, assuring us that our desperate need for HOPE can also be met in the scriptures.

Verse 13: Gratefully, JOY is not dependent on our circumstances; but on trusting Him, our Creator, the Lover of our souls, the One Who is always trustworthy.

Verse 13: PEACE is available in the same One in Whom we have JOY. Notice in this verse that both JOY and PEACE are found only in - believing. Believing what – or whom? Believing in God – and God alone! JOY and PEACE can’t be manufactured in any other way than depending on God, His character, His love and what only He can produce in the heart and mind of His child.

Verse 8: TRUTH! Whose TRUTH? Yours? Mine? Those with whom you interact in the community or marketplace? That “truth” fluctuates! God’s TRUTH is everlasting. He doesn’t waiver with circumstances, situations, culture, feelings. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. His promises never fail.

Be ENCOURAGED, my friend. Whatever is hurting your heart today – be ENCOURAGED, have HOPE, find JOY, PEACE and TRUTH – all in the precious Word of God.