Romans 15:13, New Living Translation

“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Prayer is essential in our walk with the Lord. It is communication between our Father and ourselves. In my own walk with the Lord, I can’t tell you how much it means to me to know that my Father heard my prayer and has faithfully walked with me through some difficult situations in my own life. If He does that for me, I know that He will do that for you. We are all God’s children, and His love for us will never fade.

Life, at times, can make you feel like it’s hopeless. But that is not a truth we should hold onto. That is a lie from the enemy. Paul said in Romans 15:13 (NLT), “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” There will be times when we feel the need to pray this scripture over ourselves because we aren’t experiencing joy or peace. But why aren’t we? The answer is in this very scripture…as you trust in Him.

One of my favorite scriptures says, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take." (Proverbs 3:5-6, NLT) Trust is essential in any relationship you have. If you do not have trust, then you don’t have anything. Maybe one doesn’t trust because of the actions someone took against them, and the consequence of that experience is carried forward in other relationships. Even as a seasoned Christian we can say we trust God, but somehow, we aren’t all in. Something holds us back. It’s difficult to say what it is that holds us back. Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT) says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

I want to encourage us to bring our fears and doubts before the Lord. He already knows your heart, and what you are thinking. With open communication between us and the Father, we can establish a relationship that is lasting and builds upon trust. Prayers are powerful. I can’t tell you how many times I lifted my own fears and doubts before the Lord. He does not get tired of listening. He won’t reject you for your fears and doubts. He understands human nature, which is why He recognized that we needed a Savior. We needed a Savior that would take away our sins and be our intercessor, our high priest. That would be Jesus Christ.

If you are experiencing doubt and fear or shame, please know this…those things do not come from God, but from the father of lies, Satan. He wants to make sure you do not receive your inheritance. He will do anything to keep you from God our Father, Jesus our Savior, and Holy Spirit, our comforter and friend. Satan understands that “You belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.” (1 John 4:4, NLT)

The Lord is my greatest confidant. When I feel that I have nowhere to turn or no one to talk to, I turn to Him. I know that He is listening and cares about all the things that I care about. Though His answer may not be immediate, in due time, things will work out because I trust Him. I trust that He will do what He says. It takes faith on our part to walk out the victorious Christian life. Even when we cannot see, we must believe that He is working even when we can’t see it. The Bible tells us that “… faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.” (James 2:17, NLT)

I know I have shared this scripture many times over, and perhaps you may have a scripture that speaks to you as this one does to me. I pray that this scripture or whatever scripture God lays on your heart would bring you comfort and encouragement and strength. “What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin[a]? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” (Matthew 10:29-31, NLT)  

Knowing God’s word, and keeping it in your heart will give you strength for the hard times. Don’t stop praying brothers and sisters! Don’t stop believing! Look for the good – and you will find favor!

I want to close by sharing these song lyrics that come to mind. It was made famous by the Carter family and is titled: “Keep On the Sunny Side.”

There’s a dark and a troubled side of life

There’s a bright and sunny side too

Though we meet with the darkness and strife

The sunny side we also may view

Keep on the sunny side, always on the sunny side 

Keep on the sunny side of life

It will help us every day, it will brighten all the way 

If we keep on the sunny side of life

Oh, the storm and its fury broke today

Crushing hopes that we cherish so dear

Clouds and storm will in time pass away

The sun again will shine bright and clear

Keep on the sunny side, always on the sunny side

Keep on the sunny side of life

It will help us every day, it will brighten all the way

If we’ll keep on the sunny side of life

Let us greet with a song of hope each day

Though the moments be cloudy or fair

Let us trust in our Saviour always

To keep us, every one, in His care

Keep on the sunny side, always on the sunny side

Keep on the sunny side of life

It will help us every day, it will brighten all the way

If we’ll keep on the sunny side of life