Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12
Three things. Three ways to ensure a peaceful life walking closely with God. Paul could not have said it better. If I could needlepoint or cross stitch, I’d make a plaque of this for everyone I loved to hang on their walls. Maybe then, they read it daily and hang it in their hearts. No matter what life dealt them, they’d be alright. They’d have hope, patience and constancy because they have God.
But the truth is, they already have God, He just needs to have them . . . and me, and all of us who have heard the Truth, draw nearer to Him and trust in Him. What if I constantly lived in Christ’s shadow? Was so close to Him we were almost joined like Siamese twins. Then, would I have an easier time rejoicing in hope, being patient in tribulation and being constant in my prayer life? Would things then not seem as stressful when out of my control and would I worry less? Would my thoughts be so in-tuned with God’s will that I would never question if what I have done or said was the right thing? Yes, but will I ever achieve that state of mind and soul?
Because I am human, probably not. But I can strive for it, and get closer to obeying these three things at all times. If I am more constant in prayer, then I will be more patient and be able to rejoice in all things. And, if I can learn to rejoice in all things, knowing God has it all under control, then I can be more patient with others (and with myself) and be so thankful and humbled, my prayers will be constantly on my lips and the conversation with God would be unending. And that would mean I could draw others to Him instead of worrying about being a stumbling block.
Okay- I get the first plaque!
