Monday, March 18, 2019

Overflowing with hope


Romans 15:1-6; 13
We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.  Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.  For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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.

Have you ever dealt with depression or anxiety?  Have you ever lived with someone who did?  If you have not dealt with either of these situations, you may not understand the disease.  It is a hard disease to live with, I know as I have a couple of people very close to me that battle this disease daily.  It is easy for someone that does not understand to tell the person to get over whatever they are battling at that point in time or to grow up.  I’ve seen both. 

Today I read the verses above and it made me think about who I have to help the most, who do I have to build up the most.  This is not something that I seek out to please myself.  Frankly at times, it’s rough and I don’t want to do it.  I then started thinking about times that God just may not want to deal with me.  Sometimes I have an attitude that is not as pleasant as it should be.  Yet he continues to give me endurance and encouragement.  Therefore, I am to do the same for others. 

When you pour out yourself for others, you need to find a way to refill so you do not run dry.  That is where we are to turn to God and allow him to fill us with joy and peace and so that we will overflow with hope. 

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