Uplifted

Posted by John Goodway on Mar 1, 2011 in Romans 15:13 | 0 comments

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‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him…’ Romans 15:13 (NIV)—

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This is one of those verses that needs little interpretation, knowing God is here with us, and by us putting our trust in Him, we don’t feel so alone in times of trouble.

You notice, it says “may the God” this shows us that God wants our permission, He doesn’t force Himself upon us. This is both good news, and in some ways bad news. The bad news is, He won’t just force himself into every situation, He waits to be asked, the good news is, He is always available, we just have to ask Him.

The breath of life

In my past I have had many occasions to fly in hot air balloons. I found the most amazing part of the experience is actually at the beginning whilst the balloon is being unpacked. The material gets spread across the ground and it lies there lifeless and empty, however much you can see the shape and colours. Then the transformation begins. The burner is aimed at the mouth, breathing hot air into the balloon’s heart. Gradually you see shape being formed and a flurry of excitable activity within. It’s like it becomes alive, and rises up with a splendour that could never be appreciated or seen when it was on the ground.

This always impresses me. But ironically this whole scene is like us! We too can be lifeless, lost, feeling useless, nothing to fill us, nothing to lift us. We can lie there like the unpacked balloon, flat on the ground and still showing shape and colour, but oh so empty.

Uplifted

As a believer in Christ Jesus, I can say this with absolute confidence … when we read this verse, Romans 15v13, we should know that if we sincerely ask God to breathe His wonders into our lives, then surely, we too can be filled with all joy and peace. Once filled, the balloon has power to be lifted, so too, with God filling our lives, we are also lifted. God gives us a different perspective, a right and holy perspective. It is truly amazing when you ask Jesus into your life, as He fills you with power, peace and purpose – just like this hot air balloon, but in the most incredible ways. And once filled, God has an amazing journey for you.

In the Bible there is another verse (Isaiah 40v31)but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint. that tells us that we, those who believe in Christ Jesus, soar like eagles. In other words we will be raised, filled with His strength. We can achieve much more than we thought we could. And again in another verse (Matthew 11v30)Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Jesus says, “My yoke is easy.” In other words Jesus isn’t going to be a burden for you, in fact, totally the opposite. He is saying, ‘transfer your problems on Me’, and then watch Him empower you.

The last part of the verse we’re looking at talks about ‘joy’ and ‘peace’. In today’s world both of these are hard to find. If you’ve never flown in a hot air balloon then you won’t know just how peaceful it is. You are just gliding, suspended in mid-air … by air! From up there you can hear dogs barking, and sometimes even people talking. The quietness is awesome.

Your Peace?

Now the peace that God talks of is an inward peace. A peace that is often beyond understanding. Even though all around you can be fear, chaos, struggles and temptations – with God’s peace you will have a special inward peace.

Your Joy?

Joy is something we spend so much of our life trying to find. But the joy you get from God reflects a more intense bliss than the pursuits of this world. It’s a joy that comes from knowing that God works for good.

My Prayer

So no matter what your situation, through prayer and trusting in God, you will find that peace and joy. And this is my personal prayer and hope for you – that God will fill you with His peace and joy this month.

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