The Tree Church Daily

Psalm 18:1-6, 16-19 (ESV)

I love you, O Lord, my strength.

The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,

my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,

my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,

and I am saved from my enemies.

The cords of death encompassed me;

the torrents of destruction assailed me;

the cords of Sheol entangled me;

the snares of death confronted me.

In my distress I called upon the Lord;

to my God I cried for help.

From his temple he heard my voice,

and my cry to him reached his ears.

He sent from on high, he took me;

he drew me out of many waters.

He rescued me from my strong enemy

and from those who hated me,

for they were too mighty for me.

They confronted me in the day of my calamity,

but the Lord was my support.

He brought me out into a broad place;

he rescued me, because he delighted in me.

Explanation:

In this psalm, David is worshiping God for delivering him from his persecutors. David never tried to deliver himself in his time of persecution. He always depended on God, and He always cried out to God. This is important! God is faithful to listen when we call out to Him, but if we fail to seek Him for our help, we can’t expect to be defended.

David says that in his distress, he called upon the Lord: to my God I cried for help. How many times do we try to take control of our own situation, and fail to cry out to God for help? How many times do we let pride take over, and fail to reach out to the people God has placed in our lives to walk us through pain, pray for us, and encourage us? God wants to be our deliverer. He hasn’t designed us to go through the struggles of this life on our own. He designed us to be dependent on Him. God uses David’s experience to help us see the importance of being completely dependent on Him. I think sometimes when we are reading through the Bible, we can romanticize the people we are reading about, but we need to remember these were people just like us, imperfect and in need of a savior.

I like to be in control. It makes me feel safe and secure, and I enjoy that feeling. Sometimes, I can let my desire for control and security keep me from fully depending on God and letting Him be my deliverer of all things. God has been teaching me and reminding me daily to call out to Him, to release my burdens to Him and to let go of the things I can’t control, and FULLY trust Him and His timing. I feel this is something we all could work on during this season.

Application:

1. Why do you think God wants to be our deliverer? What does this say about His character?

2. Spend some time in prayer. Ask God to reveal if there is anything you need to let go of, and let God deliver you from it.

3. Put on some worship music and spend some time fully engaged in praising God. I encourage you to completely let your guard down, and let His presence and His peace overtake you.

Devo Plus:

David writes a beautiful psalm to God, praising Him for all He has done and all He has delivered David from. Take some time and write to God all the things He has delivered you from and everything He has blessed you with.

Prayer:

Lord, thank You so much for the freedom to worship You. Thank You for wanting to be our deliverer, and for loving us so much and wanting to be in a relationship with us. Help us to be FULLY dependent on You. Help us to cry out when we need it, and not let our pride take over. I pray that Your peace would flood over us, and we would experience freedom from our insecurities and our pride. We praise You for what You are going to do in our hearts. Amen.

Mark 4:35-41 (ESV)

On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

Explanation:

Jesus reprimanded His disciples for their lack of faith, a common occurrence while these men were learning to understand their Master and His mission. Weak faith lends itself to fear, and their fear stemmed from the same root as ours—we do not take Jesus at His word.

“Let us go across to the other side.” This statement seems simple enough until we come to know Jesus at a deeper level; then we realize He never uttered an idle word. When Jesus spoke, it was meant for someone’s benefit, or He would not have spoken it. Physically, Jesus was worn out from a long day of ministering. Spiritually, He sent His word out ahead of the storm so that everyone on board could rest peacefully. The disciples did not make the connection between Jesus’s words and His actions. They mistook His sleeping for indifference to their circumstances.

We are not amazed that Christ can stop a hurricane with His voice. That’s easy to believe because it was not our crisis to endure. But when a personal storm comes, many of us are every bit as fearful as the disciples were on that boat. When we commit to knowing Jesus intimately, the promises He gives us in the Bible are the words He speaks to our storm. We can go to sleep with confidence that He will get us safely to the other side.

Application:

1. This story is another example of how God patiently teaches us about His character. The disciples had seen Jesus perform other miracles, yet He never wearied of revealing more of His nature to those who seek after Him. What has this story taught you about God’s nature?

2. Are you going through a trial right now and you’re having trouble trusting God to see you through? Find some go-to verses in the Bible that speak of His promise to protect, and meditate on them. My favorite is Nahum 1:7: “The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him.”

Devo Plus:

Read John 21:25 and think about the fact that every word Jesus spoke was for someone’s benefit. Isn’t that an incredible thought?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us Your Word to confess over our lives when we are fearful or burdened. The greatest comfort we have is knowing that You will never leave us nor forsake us.

Psalm 3 (ESV)

O Lord, how many are my foes!

Many are rising against me;

many are saying of my soul,

“There is no salvation for him in God.” Selah

But you, O Lord, are a shield about me,

my glory, and the lifter of my head.

I cried aloud to the Lord,

and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah

I lay down and slept;

I woke again, for the Lord sustained me.

I will not be afraid of many thousands of people

who have set themselves against me all around.

Arise, O Lord!

Save me, O my God!

For you strike all my enemies on the cheek;

you break the teeth of the wicked.

Salvation belongs to the Lord;

your blessing be on your people! Selah

Explanation:

David is writing Psalm 3 (and other psalms) as he is fleeing from his own kingdom. David’s son, Absalom, has taken over the kingdom at this point. Absalom is very sly, and has the tongue of a master liar. He had a good amount of time planning and scheming to take over his father’s kingdom and turn everyone against David.

David begins by saying there are many people against him and pursuing him. David knows he has messed up on so many occasions, and he is fleeing for his life, just running. I feel like this sometimes. I think running or hiding from my problems will work out in the end. Just sweep them under the rug. It seems easier, faster just to flee. When I start to think like this, I know I haven’t given my problems or situations to God. I’ve started to run my own life again. News flash: this never works. And I bet you will agree. We are awful at running our own lives. For real, I don’t know a single time doing life Josh’s way worked out for the best. I can tell you I’m good at being selfish, stubborn, lazy, and a know-it-all.

But as the psalm continues, David changes his attitude. He goes from scared of all his troubles to remembering his FAITH: Lord, You are my shield, the lifter of my head, the Holy one, my sustainer, my Rock. Too often we think we know best. God’s not moving fast enough, or that’s not how we would have handled that. Instead of letting God move, we move on our own behalf. What would it really look like if we stepped back from situations, conversations and problems, and let God do God stuff? Just take a backseat and watch, instead of reacting? David has put himself in so many conflicts. Self-induced, I might add (sound familiar?). But he always comes back to God…he repents, worships, and praises God’s holy name. David always comes back and puts all his trust in the Lord. Do you?

As the psalm concludes, David is praying and waiting for God to move on his behalf. David anticipates a victory over his enemies. It’s worded as a strike on the cheeks of all his enemies. BAM. David sins, then repents, then starts doing what he knows he’s supposed to as a child of God. Even after all this craziness in David’s life, he knows he can always turn back to God for mercy, help, justice, and refuge.

Application:

1. What’s your excuse for not going back to God?

2. What situations, conversations, or problems do you need to step back from, and let God do God stuff?

Devo Plus:

• Faith - Matthew 14:30, Jonah 2:9

• Listen - Psalm 34:6

Prayer:

God, thank You for today. Thank You for loving us, even when we are at our worst. Thank You for being right beside us in the fires of life. Thank You for putting out those fires we start. Lord, give us ears to hear You better, give us the focus we need to respond when You say move or be still. Guide our paths as we do Your work here on earth. Show us how to be better disciples. Thank You, God, for being our rock. Amen.

Genesis 40:23-41:1, 41:9-13, 39-40 (Common English Bible, CEB)

But the chief wine steward didn’t remember Joseph; he forgot all about him. Two years later, Pharaoh dreamed that he was standing near the Nile.

Then the chief wine steward spoke to Pharaoh: “Today I’ve just remembered my mistake. Pharaoh was angry with his servants and put me and the chief baker under arrest with the commander of the royal guard. We both dreamed one night, he and I, and each of our dreams had its own interpretation. A young Hebrew man, a servant of the commander of the royal guard, was with us. We described our dreams to him, and he interpreted our dreams for us, giving us an interpretation for each dream. His interpretations came true exactly: Pharaoh restored me to my position but hanged him.”

Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, no one is as intelligent and wise as you are. You will be in charge of my kingdom, and all my people will obey your command. Only as the enthroned king will I be greater than you.”

Explanation:

The passages today are selections from the story of Joseph. His life was one of extreme promise and extreme process. He was the favored son of Jacob (father of the 12 tribes, also called Israel), promised greatness through various dreams, and obliviously arrogant. This made him hated by his brothers, who plotted to kill him but then thought better of it. They decided they could make money off of Joseph, and sold him to slave traders who took him to Egypt. He was sold to Potiphar, captain of the Guard in Egypt, and was made overseer of Potiphar’s house. Potiphar’s wife found Joseph attractive and tried to seduce him. Joseph, in his character, rejected her and fled. She then falsely accused Joseph, and he was thrown in prison, which is where he is when our passages pick up. Joseph even found favor in prison, yet he was forgotten again.

Joseph’s life was a life of promise followed by difficulty. In the dark moments of Joseph’s life, it seemed that everyone (even God) had forgotten him. Yet these are the moments when he was transformed from an arrogant daddy’s boy, to the man who would judicially and graciously lead Africa and the Middle East through a desperate famine.

Joseph trusted God with those dark seasons, even though I am sure he wondered why his life had shaped the way it had. He was able to look back on his life and say, “You planned something bad for me, but God produced something good from it, in order to save the lives of many people, just as he’s doing today” (Genesis 50:20, CEB).

Application:

1. What is something that stood out to you in today’s story?

2. What is something you find yourself waiting for?

3. Is God using this season to teach you something?

4. What do you do when you think God has forgotten you?

5. What role do God’s promises play in waiting through this season?

Devo Plus:

Read Joseph’s story in Genesis 37-50.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, would You please help me to be obedient and patient in the seasons where You seem far away, where my life seems difficult and I can’t find any comfort? Remind me of Your promises, and use them to keep me trusting You. Help me to feel Your presence, and grant me the grace to be patient in difficulty. Amen.

Psalm 46 (ESV)

God is our refuge and strength,

a very present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,

though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,

though its waters roar and foam,

though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,

the holy habitation of the Most High.

God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;

God will help her when morning dawns.

The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;

he utters his voice, the earth melts.

The Lord of hosts is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

Come, behold the works of the Lord,

how he has brought desolations on the earth.

He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;

he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;

he burns the chariots with fire.

“Be still, and know that I am God.

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth!”

The Lord of hosts is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

Explanation:

Psalm 46 is attributed to the musical talents of the sons of Korah. Their father had challenged the duties God had assigned their lineage, and he, along with all those following him, were swallowed by the earth to prove God’s commands (Numbers 16:28-35). The boys returned to their roots and served according to their calling. They wrote beautiful songs about the strength God had given them, the wondering beauty of God’s creation, presence, and protection with us. They remind us that the chaos around us is actually under control, and we need not feel vulnerable to the circumstances, but find comfort in our sovereign God. Only with Him can we see and feel the presence of peace. We can just “be still.” And not only will the nations exalt Him, but so will the earth, no matter how difficult the chaos seems.

Many times when things seem out of control around me, I have a tendency to first react as if I have been called to action. It’s like I have to take ownership of the chaos and stop it. This is my own attempt at taking some kind of control in the situation. It’s my natural reaction to being vulnerable, driven by fear. I get almost defensive of God at times, and try running ahead of Him, instead of alongside or even behind. But when I take a moment in God’s presence, time with Him…and be still…it gives me the ability to look at the inner workings of what God is accomplishing for His kingdom. I am reminded of His strength, and that being still makes me stronger, not weaker.

Application:

1. When you find that things aren’t in your control, what is your first reaction? (Fear, worry, anxiety, anger, etc.)

2. What is something you are walking through today that God might be calling you to just “be still”?

3. What is holding you back from fully trusting that God is ultimately in control of all chaos, and has a plan for how it will end?

4. Write down some simple steps to take daily that give you time to just “be still” in God’s presence. Set an alarm as a reminder, and take that moment right then.

Devo Plus:

Get lost in worship this week! Song suggestions: Praise You in This Storm by Casting Crowns, Oceans by Hillsong UNITED, The Rock Won’t Move by Vertical Worship

Prayer:

God, when I am feeling overwhelmed and vulnerable by the circumstances around me, help me to take a moment to be still in Your strength. Put a stirring in my heart that gives the peace and confidence that You are with me. I want to seek You in everything and trust that You are in all outcomes. Amen.

Revelation 21:1-4 (NLT)

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.

I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”

Explanation:

When sin entered the world, it brought brokenness. Unfortunately, that means each and every one of us will experience pain, we will grieve, and we will walk through seasons of suffering. But as we read this passage, we are given a restored hope. In John’s vision of the last days, he sees all things made new. The world we currently know will be no more. No more pain, no more sorrow, no more struggle. Instead, it will all be replaced with a new heaven and a new earth. Instead of sin, pain, and sorrow, we will experience full life. We will no longer recall the sins and sorrows of today. Everything will be perfect, and God will be present with us always.

I long for this. I am so thankful for this vision John has given to us. I have experienced heartbreak, pain, betrayal, and grief at different points in my life. It is always hard to walk through those seasons. But this passage reminds me that there is always hope. Even though I will continue to experience pain in this life, I know someday it will all go away, and I will get to be in the presence of God forever. I hope this passage does the same for you today, friends. We are all experiencing pain, we will all continue to experience pain, but hold on to your hope. Our hope is not in this world. We find peace and hope in knowing that one day God will wipe away every tear, and we will never experience pain or suffering again. Pain will exist no more, and we will be in full communion with God. We can keep fighting and keep moving forward because we know this life isn’t the end for us; we have a new heaven and a new earth coming. One day, all things will be made whole and perfect, and we will dwell with our Savior forever.

Application:

1. What are some things in your life that are currently causing you pain or suffering?

2. Why is it often so hard to keep going when you are in the dark and hard seasons?

3. What hope do these verses give you today?

4. How does this truth…that one day all things will be made new…help you walk through the painful seasons?

Devo Plus:

There are so many songs I love to listen to when I am going through seasons of pain and suffering. I encourage you today to make a playlist with these songs, and take some time to simply worship Jesus. Allow Him in this present day to bring you peace and comfort…and to remind you that someday all the pain and sorrow will be gone, and everything will be made new and whole.

It is Well, by Bethel Music

Defender, by UPPERROOM

Do It Again, by Elevation Worship

PEACE, by Bethel Music

Speak to Me, by Kari Jobe

Revelation Song, by Kari Jobe

Prayer:

Jesus, in this world we recognize that we will experience pain and sorrow. We know we will often have to walk through difficult seasons. Will You please meet us in those places today? Will You please help us as we walk through the pain and hurt? Will You sustain us in the moments when we feel we can’t go on any longer? Will You bring peace to those places? Remind us today that we can still have hope in the darkness, for we know that one day all of the pain, all of the sorrow, all of the hurt, all of the struggle will be gone. And we will be in Your presence, a new creation…forever. Help us to find hope as we wait for Your promises to be fulfilled to us. We walk forward always with hope, knowing someday everything will be perfect again, and we will be in Your presence always. Amen.

James 1:2-5 (ESV)

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

Explanation:

This letter is written by James, the half-brother of Jesus. James is quick to get to the point in addressing not if the believer will face trials, but when. For James, there is no question that believers in Jesus Christ will come against opposition. People will push back and challenge the beliefs of believers, and we must stand firm in our faith, ready to defend what we believe in. These trials can be both physical and spiritual. “Testing of your faith” can seem negative, but James says this process is essential to produce steadfastness in our lives. Steadfastness is a result of staying so focused and firm on pursuing Jesus in our lives, that He begins to change us in the way we think, act, and speak. It’s a life of faithful endurance, despite afflictions and troubles we face. The result of perfection, or lacking nothing, will be obtained when Jesus returns. However, James does say that if we lack wisdom (or anything else for that matter), all we need to do is ask our Father in heaven, who does not disappoint. Our God is a good and generous God, and He will give us all we need.

I have never been attacked for my faith, but as a younger Christian going to college, it was a daily struggle to live out my beliefs in front of my friends. I can remember several occasions getting into some heated arguments about God and “proof of existence.” Looking back now, I know that was not the best way to defend my faith, but the problem was that I was not living as a young Christian should. I believed in God, but I was not pursuing Him. My actions were not a reflection of His life-changing power, which every believer can experience if they submit to His authority. I wanted God on my side because of all He had done in my life; I just didn’t want to put the work in to build on my relationship with Jesus. As I matured and began to grow up, I realized how important it was to have a real and authentic relationship with Jesus, and not pursue things that were temporary. God challenged me in many ways and still continues to, but I want to be a believer who puts my faith and trust in the only One who provides…Jesus.

Application:

1. How has God challenged you in the testing of your faith lately?

2. What have you learned from “various trials” that you have faced in your life? Is there anything you would want to do differently now that you look back?

3. Transforming our lives to look like Jesus is a life-long process, and only possible with submission and humility. What is one thing you can begin today to make yourself more like Jesus in the future?

4. What do you lack in your faith that you would ask God to give you?

Devo Plus:

Read Matthew 7:7-11, which describes how generous God is.

Prayer Starter:

Heavenly Father, help me to pursue You and what You have for me in my life. Show me the things I need to change. When my faith is tested, help me to stop, come to You, and know that You will guide my words and thoughts. I want to always be able to put my faith, trust, and hope in You alone. Love You, Father. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

2 Corinthians 4:7-11; 16-18 (ESV)

But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

Explanation:

One of the hardest things for me to understand about this life is suffering. Being a Christian doesn’t exempt us from this affliction; in fact, sometimes it’s even worse for us. Paul was a great example of suffering for the cause of Christ. He was beaten, thrown in jail, rioted against, and treated as an outcast. Key point: He NEVER GAVE UP! That’s what makes today’s scripture so much more meaningful to me. Paul reminds us that all of this external “stuff” may be difficult, but it’s temporary. In our most vulnerable and defeated state, God is powerful.

In the opening part of this passage, Paul talks about treasure in jars of clay. A jar of clay had the importance then as a Ziploc bag may have to us today. It was made to store or transport something. A baggie has little to no value and is easily disposed of. No one is amazed by the baggie, but what if there was a gold nugget inside? It instantly becomes valuable. People want to see what’s inside. They get excited by the seemingly worthless baggie. They want to know more.

In the simplest form, I am a baggie. On the outside, I look just like any other human. But I have a “gold nugget” that’s meant to be shared. I have something of value that I am called to share. What’s inside this walking Ziploc is what really matters. God takes our weak, tired, broken and suffering exterior, and He uses it to transport His purpose: to be a disciple and make disciples of others. Paul reminds us not to lose heart…God never gave up on us or walked away, and He never will. He’s calling us to embrace the difficult, painful situations, and look to Him for the eternal purpose. This life is hard, full of struggles, but I believe that while this vessel (my baggie) is wasting away, I am being prepared for something that will far outweigh anything here on this earth…and my suffering will be wiped away in an instant.

Application:

1. Are you going through a season of struggling and feeling defeated? Re-read this passage, and pull out one thing that gives you hope for where you are right now.

2. What are you doing with the gold nugget in your Ziploc? Are you sharing it so others can see its amazing power and eternal hope?

Devo Plus:

Re-read Romans 8:28. What good can God work through even the suffering in your life?

Prayer:

Today, spend some time asking God to help you understand that when you experience pain, suffering, and defeat, there is an eternal purpose. Ask Him to help you look to Him when it’s difficult, and to remind you that He’s never left you and won’t ever leave you in the future.

Romans 8:18, 28-30 (ESV)

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

Explanation:

All of us have experienced suffering in this life. Some more than others, but struggle is a part of the human experience. We can suffer physically, emotionally, relationally, economically…and the list goes on and on. We were born into a life that has always included suffering. We do not know any life outside of that existence, so we cannot compare it to a life without suffering because we have no experience with that. This can give us fits because it can wear on our desire to remain faithful to God through it all. However, in today’s reading, the Apostle Paul gives us some perspectives we can hold onto throughout any suffering that we may face.

Paul says that there is a “glory” better than our present sufferings. This truth starts to unravel a hope in all of us, because God, in His goodness, has promised a future life that is better than what we are experiencing now. Not just better by a little, but one that is purely magnificent and void of suffering altogether. This hope is an eternity spent in His presence. The sufferings of the here and now are temporary, my friends. No matter how grievous things get, it will all end someday. Those who place their faith in Jesus get to experience the fullness of God’s glory, and this is a tremendous hope we can cling to.

Furthermore, Paul goes on to say that the trials of today are developing in us a faith like that of Christ. Christ suffered in incomprehensible ways, and modeled for us a life that clung to the glory of the promised eternal life. His example is perfect, because before coming to earth, Jesus was with God and remained one with God. Therefore, He could truly compare His sufferings with the glory of God. He was, as Paul says, a firstborn into the faith and hope that we can all experience. If we hold fast to His example and strive to live our lives like Him in every way, we know what awaits us after a life of suffering is an eternal glory far better than anything we could ever imagine.

Application:

1. How has suffering in this life wore on your faith at times?

2. How does Jesus’s example of faithfulness in suffering encourage you to continue on in your faith?

3. Why do we strive to live like Jesus?

4. What is promised to those who remain faithful to God throughout their lives?

Devo Plus:

Re-read Romans 8:28. What good can God work through even the suffering in your life?

Prayer:

Jesus, we look to You. We have no comparison of what true glory looks like outside of the example You give us. We thank You for remaining faithful, and showing us that there is true hope after this life. You have shown us the Father’s love. We praise You that You lived a perfect life, and made a way for us to experience true glory in eternity someday.

Romans 5:1-5 (ESV)

“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”

Explanation:

Up to this point, Paul is reminding us that the only way to salvation is to be justified by grace through faith. He then goes on to explain the benefits of placing our faith in the Lord. Because we have been justified through Christ, we are able to have peace with God. We have complete access to the grace He has given, and rejoice in hope of God’s glory and grace. Paul explains that not only do we have those incredible benefits, we also are able to rejoice in our suffering because of God’s complete sovereignty. We can rejoice, knowing that in all things, God is producing what is good and perfect in His sight. Viewing our suffering in this way can change our perspective, allowing us to see endurance, growth, and a hope in the glory of God. Paul says all of this is because of the love God has given to us through the Holy Spirit.

What an incredible reminder of the complete glory and sovereignty of God. Our salvation completely resides in the hands of the Father, not in our works or our ability to live life perfectly. It is such a relief to know that God has not only given us complete justification through faith in Him, but also peace, complete access to Him, and further hope in His glory. Because of these reasons, we don’t have to fear or live in sadness and anxiousness over our sufferings. We can find our joy in who God says He is, and we can rejoice in the very hope He has given us through His Spirit.

Application:

1. How can we know our salvation rests in the hands of the Father, and not in our own abilities?

2. Why does Paul say we can rejoice in hope of God’s glory, specifically in our sufferings?

3. What areas in your life are you struggling to rejoice in?

4. How can you, amidst suffering and chaos, remind yourself of the hope that comes with placing your faith in God?

Devo Plus:

Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-2, Romans 12:12, and Ephesians 1:15-19 for additional readings on rejoicing in suffering and the hope of God’s glory.

Prayer:

God, we can find so much rest and peace knowing that our salvation is in Your hands. It is a blessing to be reminded of your gospel, and the grace You have given us when we have never deserved it. God, I pray that today we would focus our eyes upon Your glory and Your sovereignty. Challenge us to rejoice when we go through seasons of difficulty and trial. We ask that You would draw us closer to You, and to constantly open our eyes and hearts to rejoice in the very hope You have given us. We love You, Lord, and we give You all the glory. Amen.