Hope and Peace

Brothers and Sisters:  When I hear of evil like the recent Colorado shooting I can't shake it.  I internalize such things and experience sadness and grief in a very real way.  During these times I struggle with fear, loss of hope and a tendency to try and control those I love in an effort to protect (still trying to remember God is the one who is really in control).  Today God gave me two scriptures that have given me some peace and I wanted to share them, just in case you are like me and have moments of hopelessness and fear. 

John 16:33- “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

-Jesus 

Romans 8:18-31

¹⁸ I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. ¹⁹ For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. ²⁰ For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope ²¹ that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.

²² We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. ²³ Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. ²⁴ For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? ²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

²⁶ In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. ²⁷ And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

²⁸ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. ²⁹ For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. ³⁰ And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

³¹ What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?



Romans 8 has always been one of my favorites.  The verse "If God is for us, who can be against us" is part of the chorus in Chris Tomlin's song "Our God."  I love this song and I especially love the chorus.  It is one of those songs (particularly the chorus) that I blast on my car radio and yes, if you just happen to drive by at that time I will be dancing like no one is watching.  It is one of those things that hits that spot deep inside...every time.  If you haven't heard it before try it out...and TURN IT UP!

Anyway, I hope these scriptures give you peace and replenish your hope like they did for me.  I lift up the victims, their families and each one of you, praying for peace, hope and comfort!