Hope That Overflows

Reflection

While we are here on earth, it’s hard to look past the present realities. Maybe it’s the stress from work, the responsibilities of family, or the worries about what’s happening in our communities or even globally. The world is full of distractions, and sometimes we fill up on them so much that life can feel daunting. Have you been there? Hope tank on empty?

I remember a time when I faced a great deal of adversity, and on top of that, I had my ear to the airwaves. The constant stream of negativity made me feel so heavy. It seemed like everything was overwhelming, and it impacted every part of my life. I can imagine the believers in Jesus Christ felt the same way in their time. In the Roman church, difficulties in relationships and community were real struggles.

Paul’s words to the Roman believers encourage me even today. He reminds us that the God of hope is not just a distant idea. He is the source of hope. And this hope is not a vague wish; it is given to us by the power of the Holy Spirit. We are not left hopeless. Even when it feels like our hope is running low, it can grow. Little by little, God’s hope can fill us with joy and peace, and that overflow can change how we face life’s difficulties.