REJOICING IN HOPE.

 

September 7

Roman 12:12
Rejoicing in hope;
patient in tribulation;
continuing instant in prayer;

 

The believer cannot always rejoice in the possession, for he appears stripped of every thing; but he may rejoice in hope even then.

 

He is warranted to hope for eternal life;

for righteousness by faith;

that God may be magnified in his body, by life or by death;

for the resurrection of the body, and its re-union with the soul;

for the appearing of His beloved Savior, and complete salvation through Him.

 

The hope which is laid up for him in heaven, of which the gospel now informs him - a weight of glory, a crown of righteousness, and an eternal inheritance, are in reserve for him and in hope of these he may rejoice.

 

They are set before him to excite desire, produce courage, prevent despondency, and fill with joy.

 

They are freely given, plainly promised, and carefully preserved;

therefore we shall never be ashamed of our hope.

 

Let us not yield to our gloomy feelings, or to distressing forebodings;

but let us lift up our heads, rejoicing that we shall soon be partakers of our hope.

 

Let us hope in God, and daily praise Him more and more;

making use of hope as the anchor of the soul, sure and steadfast.

 

He that hopes in God will never be disappointed.

 

Come, Lord, and help me to rejoice,
In hope that I shall hear Thy voice,
Shall one day see my God;
Shall cease from all my painful strife,
Handle and taste the word of life,
And feel the sprinkled blood.

 

James Smith