Romans 5:1-5 (NIV) – “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”

 Romans 8:28 (NLT) – “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

2 Corinthians 4:17 (NIV) – “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”

“The reason Paul gives for saying that this hope will not disappoint us is that God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. It is because of ‘God’s love made palpable in the experience of the Spirit (v. 5b)’ that we have confidence and do not lose hope.” [Colin G. Kruse, The Pillar New Testament Commentary: Paul’s Letter to the Romans, page 231]

Because we have such assurance of God’s love being testified in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, we can walk through whatever difficulties or challenges in life with much hope.  We know that God causes everything to work together for the good, which is for his glory in our lives.  And, our troubles are momentary as we look forward to the eternal glory that “far outweighs them all.”

Prayer: Father, as the Holy Spirit testifies of your love in our hearts, we trust that the hope we have in you will never disappoint.  No matter what we are facing or have to walk through in life, we place all of our hope in you.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

“Anchor” written by Ben Fielding, Dean Usher (Hillsong). Link: https://youtu.be/87GYkLfQQ-8

– EK