Joy and Peace in Believing

Today I returned to physical and occupational therapy at Northern Colorado Rehabilitation Hospital. My assessments showed some improvement since the last time some of the strength and range of motion tests were done; so that is good. Outside of that not too much exercise. My occupational therapist did have me use a small stair stepper; only I found out that I could not exert enough strength to push down my right leg. So he had to help me out until he got tired. My physical therapist gave me some ideas of how to continue my pool activities, so I will look into that. I am going to focus on pushing my level of activity and exercise and see what my endurance will allow.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13

This verse contains one of the great benedictions of the Apostle Paul found in the Book of Romans. Paul in this chapter is explaining how Christ is the hope for both Jews and Gentiles. He quotes from the old testament prophets and then brings his discourse to this final conclusion and pronouncement of blessing.

It is like Paul is saying…here is God’s plan that He has worked out through the ages…that all may know the blessings of Abraham through Christ. Now rest in that plan and promise. Embrace it with your whole heart. Believe and place your hope in the “God of hope.” As you do your life will be filled with joy and peace.

The writer of Hebrews defines faith as the, “substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen.” (Heb. 11:1) To the  human mind it doesn’t sense that you can have joy and peace in believing anything. Joy and peace are the hallmarks of a “blessed” life. One that has already received what has been promised. But as we rest in God’s presence and promise the power of His Holy Spirit fills us which means the hope we have, the joy we have, the peace we have, comes from God.

In the late 1800’s Lidie Edmunds who used the pen name Eliza Hewitt, was a public school teacher. One of her students struck her with a heavy slate and she suffered a severe spinal injury which forced her to retire from teaching and made her an invalid the rest of her life in Philadelphia. (And we thought school violence was a modern day issue) However, she was able to continue to be involved with children in Sunday School and as superintendent at the Northern Home for Friendless Children. Out of her experience came the words of this hymn…

My faith has found a resting place –
Not in device nor creed:
I trust the Ever-living One –
His wounds for me shall plead.

I need no other argument;
I need no other plea.
It is enough that Jesus died,
And that He died for me.

Is God’s promise to you, is Christ sacrifice for you, enough for you?