Hope in a Season of Waiting
What have you waited for this past year? For most of us, we have probably waited for more things in the last 12 months than we have the rest of our lives. We have waited for celebrations: births, weddings, birthdays, graduations, and even celebrations of life. Jobs and school have transformed into at-home activities. We have postponed events, concerts, movies, and theater. We have longed for travel and restaurants and backyard barbecues. We have even waited for groceries, haircuts, gym workouts, and library books. So much waiting for so many things, yet we have not given up hope that we will one day resume these activities.
I am volunteering at the Fox Cities COVID Vaccine Clinic in a non-medical capacity. One of my favorite positions there is in the observation area where people wait after their vaccines. Almost everyone experiences joy and relief when they receive their vaccine. Often, people tell us what they can’t wait to do. They are so excited to see grandchildren and friends. One man said, “Finally, I can get a haircut.” After a year of waiting, their joy is bubbling over! In this long season of waiting, they did not give up hope and are eager to reap the rewards.
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
Today’s verse is a very common blessing, often given at the end of church services. We’ve probably all heard it hundreds of times and not given it much thought, but there is so much meaning in just a few words. 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.
First, God is the God of hope. Through him, we can rest. God loves us and wants the best for us. He is in control, so we do not have to worry about fixing everything. God is the foundation of our hope.
Next, we should be filled with joy and peace. Aren’t these wonderful words and isn’t that what we strive for? Joy is defined as great pleasure and happiness. We all want to be happy. That’s what we want for our children and grandchildren. How many times have you heard someone say, “I don’t care about (insert whatever), as long as they’re happy.”? Peace is calm and tranquility. When we have peace, we are not worried about things that may or may not happen. We can obtain peace by trusting that God works for our good.
Finally, we should overflow with hope. For Christians, much of our joy and peace is found in the hope that God can do more for us than we can do on our own. In this season of waiting, it can become overwhelming. At these times, it helps to take a few minutes, close your eyes, and thank God for filling you with joy, peace and overflowing hope.
Women of the Bible Blocks 11 and 12
Block 11 in the Women of the Bible series is Naomi. Naomi was mother-in-law to Ruth and Orpah. Her story is told in the book of Ruth.
Block 12 is Judith. There is no book of Judith in either the Hebrew or Protestant bible. It is a theological message of the Apocrypha rather than factual history.
I still enjoy making these little blocks each week. It will be fun to set them together and see how it looks!
Hope you have a peaceful Sunday and a productive week.
Beautiful message, Rhonda.