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How would you like to overflow with hope?
Could you use some hope in your life?
Abundance of hope
Did you know we have access to an abundance of hope if we know where to look? And not just hope for ourselves, but for our families, friends, and the people around us. Where do we find it? If you guessed the Bible, you’d be on the right track, but it’s more than that.
Word of God go-to verse
Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to go to the Word of God, have a go-to verse or verses to lean on and lean into when needed?
I don’t know about you, but short of seeing a verse on a plaque on the wall or greeting card, I haven’t actively engaged in a process to memorize scripture and anchor into a verse.
Apply a scripture passage
How can we intentionally apply a scripture passage in our own life and add it to our spiritual toolkit to access when needed?
Anchor into the Word of God
More than just reading a verse and trying to remember it, what if we connected in a tangible way to the passage to anchor ourselves in the Word of God?
Let’s start with this one from the book of Romans.
God of hope
“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.” Romans 15:13 NIV
I was never good at memorizing scripture. How about you? I’ve read this Bible verse so many times now I’ve memorized this one. More than that, I’m on my way to internalizing this verse. Able to recall it in a moment because it’s written on my heart and has taken root in my way of thinking.
Spend time with these words
It started as a verse on a notecard. At the time I didn’t actually know where it was located in the Bible, I just saw it as a lovely verse. The more time I spend with these words, the more they speak to me. Not only can I recall them, but I can anchor myself in them. I pray the same for you.
“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.” Romans 15:13 NIV
Let’s start with a pause. Pause to read and absorb this verse from the book of Romans.
“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.” Romans 15:13 NIV
Overflow with hope
How do we overflow with hope?
Trust in God.
He fills you with joy and peace.
You overflow with hope.
By the power of the Holy Spirit.
Not a manufactured artificial hope that we have to try and keep up, but hope fueled by the power of the Holy Spirit. Our trust in God leads to Him filling us with joy and peace, through which we receive hope.
And that hope is not simply enough for you, but an overflow, an abundance that reaches those around you. Not only do you receive the hope you need, but you become a conduit of hope for others, a carrier of hope to a world in need of hope.
When we remember how to experience hope, we can continually come back to the source, the God of hope. We can lean into the blessing of these words.
Pray from scripture
We can also pray from this passage of scripture.
“Lord, fill me with all joy and peace. I trust you.
I trust you are moving and working in whatever situation I find myself in, even when I don’t understand or can’t make sense of it. Even when I’m not sure which direction to take or how to move forward. I trust you, Lord.”
So my prayer for you is this:
“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.” Romans 15:13 NIV
What if we prayed this verse for each person we interact with, every individual whose name comes to mind, and everyone we see? The person in the car in front of you at the stoplight. The one in the grocery store. The stranger, the friend.
Whether we speak this prayer aloud or pray it in our heart, we can send out a blessing of hope to whomever we encounter.
“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.” Romans 15:13 NIV
For more insights on how to anchor into the Word: