Joy, Hope and Peace
For the veteran family facing eviction or foreclosure…for the service member diagnosed with terminal cancer…for the wife or spouse depressed due to marital problems…for the veteran or service member considering suicide…for the thousands who lost jobs or life savings and are experiencing financial hardship…there is hope.
The Bible says that we were created by God and that He loves us and want us to have a meaningful life.
The Lord Jesus Christ said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10) The Lord meant that he wants us to have a life that goes far beyond just existing day-by-day but a life lived in harmony with our Creator who loves us and desires the very best for us.
The Bible says that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) It is because of sin and our disobedience toward God that we are separated from Him. (Isaiah 59:2) And the consequence of sin is eternal separation from God – “the wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23a)
God sent His sin less Son, Lord Jesus Christ, to pay the price of our sins nearly 2,000 years ago. The Lord Jesus Christ died on a cross, was buried, and then rose from the died on the third day for our justification. (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) Now through the death of Jesus Christ we can be reconciled to God. And through His death, God offers us salvation and eternal life to all who believe in Him and are born of the water and the Holy Spirit of God. (Romans 6:23, John 3:36)
Therefore, we now have God’s joy, hope and peace through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ if we place our faith and trust in Him. There is no greater joy, hope and peace than this – the assurance of eternal life offered through our Lord Jesus Christ and His promise to never leave us nor forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5)
Romans 8: 35, 38-39 says, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities not powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Scripture Verses for Meditation:
“You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11)
“And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD; it shall rejoice in His salvation.” (Psalm 35:9)
“Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5:5)
“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.” (Romans 15:13)
“Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the LORD.” (Psalm 31:24)
“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would not have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know. Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:1-4; 27)
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made know to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
“I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8)
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, I admit that I am a sinner and need your forgiveness and guidance. Thank You for sending Your Son the Lord Jesus Christ to suffer the punishment that I deserve for my sins. Please help me every day to turn from sin and live a life that is pleasing to You. Thank You for your gift of eternal life and for Your love, joy, hope and peace I now have in You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
All Scripture verses are taken from the New King James Version of the Bible.
By Constance A. Burns, NAAV Contributor for Scriptural Readings and Moments of Meditation; email: cburns@naavets.org