Peter reminded us in the closing of his first letter that the “God of all grace” would “perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle [us]” in our suffering.” [1 Peter 5:10]
Paul in the closing of his letter to the Romans told us about the “God of hope.” “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” [15:13 NKJV]
Seventeen times alone in the Book of Romans, Paul mentions hope. It is a favorite theme in his other letters as well.
Paul reminds the beloved that we are to abound in hope. The Greek word Paul used here is elpis. It comes from a primary word which means “to anticipate with pleasure.” We know hope to be not just anticipation or expectation, but confident anticipation or expectation. It is tied to the character of God. God is the “God of Hope.” And it is energized in us by the power of God’s Holy Spirit.
Hope is also linked in Scripture with affliction. “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” [Romans 12:12]
If real persecution should visit our nation (not just anti-Christian rhetoric), we are going to need the God of Hope to fill us by the power of His Holy Spirit.
