A New Word

Romans 5:3-5 is next up in the set of verses I’m memorizing again from Fight Back with Joy. I shared a post in March of 2020 entitled More Than Getting Through when I last focused on this scripture.

As I read back over these verses and practiced writing them in my journal a few times, I couldn’t help but think I’m more full of fatigue than rejoicing over what seems to be one challenge after another. I can’t see the end of endurance, and I’m tempted to think its fruit may be overrated; perhaps I have enough character and hope as I am.

And then a new word comes- Love!

I am loved by God. He has given me the Holy Spirit so that I am filled with his love! His work in my life is motivated by love. He has not given up on me in exasperation. Just as I wanted my own children to grow and thrive and become all that God created them to be, so He desires I grow and mature, living confidently and full of hope because He loves me!

The Amplified Bible says it this way-

And not only this, but (with joy) let us exult in our sufferings and rejoice in our hardships, knowing that hardship (distress, pressure, trouble) produces endurance; and endurance, proven character (spiritual maturity); and proven character, hope and confident assurance (of eternal salvation). Such hope (in God’s promises) never disappoints us, because God’s love has been abundantly poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Romans 5:3-5, AMP

So today I’m focusing on a new word from a familiar passage and reminding myself of a foundational truth-

God has filled my heart with His love by the Holy Spirit. He has given me the Holy Spirit so that His presence and power dwell in me; therefore, I have the strength to make it through any hardship, pressure or trouble, knowing God will use all these things to grow me up in Him. Nothing is wasted. Everything is purposeful. I am always secure because I am loved!

When I don’t rest and trust in the perfect LOVE of God, life feels random and a bit mean at times. Today, I’m glad (rejoicing) that I am ok in the perfect love of God.