What is the light that helps you when you have a difficult day?
The Apostle Paul gives us a beautiful prayer in Romans 15:13:
“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.”
This is a prayer for a hope that does not just stay alive in bad times; it becomes so big it overflows from God’s own source inside you.
As we live our lives, especially as we get older, we accumulate good things, but we also accumulate pain and loss. Loved ones pass away, our health changes, and the world keeps moving. In these times, the wisdom of people who have lived a long time shines the brightest.
Story
One day, I talked to a kind man who had lost many friends and family members. I asked him what kept him going. He did not outline a grand plan or a sudden burst of new energy. He simply said that hope was the light that helped him every day. He found strength in simple faith habits: reading the Psalms (which are old songs of sadness and praise), and singing old church songs that hold his core belief.
He understood a deep truth for everyone: joy and hope are gifts from God. They make our hearts new, even in hard times. We do not need to make this hope ourselves; we just need to look to the God of hope and put our trust in Him. When we choose to be thankful—when we sing the songs and read God’s promises—we open our hearts. Then the Holy Spirit does His work. He fills us with a peace that makes our hope overflow. This strong hope that lasts a lifetime tells everyone we meet that God is truly faithful.
Reflection
Can you remember a time when your hope was strong, even when things were difficult? How did that inner strength help the people around you?
Hope is not always quiet. Sometimes it gives us the energy to make things better, like St. Augustine observed:
“Hope has two beautiful daughters; their names are Anger and Courage. Anger at the way things are, and Courage to see that they do not remain as they are.” — St. Augustine
A Prayer of Hope
Gracious God of Hope,
Thank You for being the eternal source of all joy and peace. In the midst of our uncertainties and losses, help me to trust You completely. Fill my heart with Your Spirit so that my hope is not a fragile wish, but a strong, overflowing conviction rooted in Your unfailing love. Renew my spirit, and may my life be a quiet, shining testament to Your enduring faithfulness for all generations to see. Amen.
Sources & Citations
Scripture: Romans 15:13 (NIV)
Quote: St. Augustine