Scripture for Today: Romans 15:13 “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.”

Will a wishing well have mystical powers and grant any wish I speak aloud? That was the prevailing thought centuries ago. The idea in German folklore was that the clean pure water was guarded at its source by spirits who would sometimes take pity on humans. Whatever one spoke aloud as his heart’s desire may just be granted and to insure the outcome, small tokens or coins would be tossed in the water.

Wishing at a well, wishing on a star or making a wish blowing a dandelion head pretty much describe the thinking of those who place their confidence in anyone but Jesus.  It is a poor flimsy substitute for real hope.  Today’s verse describes God as a, “God of hope.” The hope He offers, unlike a wish, will fill the one who trusts in Him with joy and peace. Trusting the God of hope means the believer can overflow with hope by the power of His Spirit within us! Hope for the believer is faith in what is sure. 

My hope is only as good as its object. That makes my hope in Jesus unshakable! I not only have hope, I am overflowing with it as I trust Him.  He promises to fill me with all joy and peace as I live in that hope and trust. My wishes and desires are never as important as the deeper gifts of joy and peace He offers in the face of darkness and despair. Because He is my hope, I can look forward to an unknown future without anxiety.

Thank you Lord, for being my hope.