When you're having a bad day . A run-in with an immensely cheerful person doesn't always turn that frown upside down , does it ? Commiserating with someone else , though ? A word literally defined by two or more people wallowing in misery together . That can be a bomb to an anxious and worried mind . Sometimes the relief , though , is temporary .
Romans 12.12 says Be joyful in hope , patient in affliction , faithful in prayer . The Apostle Paul was talking about more than mere cheerfulness in his letter to the Christian believers of Rome . Nowhere in the Bible does the Lord command us . Thou shalt always be chipper , but these wise words from Paul remind us to think before we sink .
No matter what hardships we face , our hope is found in Jesus Christ , and this hope is an infinite well of joy we can turn to in times of trouble . Paul also reminds believers to be patient no matter what befalls us .
Paul was a respected missionary , even honored and admired by powerful officials of his day who didn't share his Christian beliefs , despite his good standing . For a period of two years he was in prison , literally chained and under constant guard , and from this depth of experience he's able to tell others to be patient in affliction .
Whether our chains are literal or figurative in nature , the trials we face can mold our character and build our patience , if we choose to let them . The most important part of Paul's message in this verse is the reminder to be faithful in prayer . God is worthy of all honor and praise , but he also knows us , understands our weaknesses and loves us .
Anyway , on the days life feels too difficult to approach the Lord with a smile on our faces and joy in our hearts , he still wants to hear from us . Prayer is not a sometimes thing . It's an all-the-time practice that grows our faith , strengthens our relationship with God and changes our lives . So be joyful in hope , patient in affliction and faithful in prayer .
Let's pray , lord . You are the source of all our hope , the teacher of patience and the one who listens to every prayer . Help us to choose joy over despair , patience over exasperation , and to pray faithfully . Sometimes , fear and frustration threaten to overwhelm us , but you are near and we pray . You will turn our hearts to you In Jesus' name amen .
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