Written: September 4, 2026 (six weeks ago)
Edited & Finished October 17, 2026
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
Romans 12:12 NIV
Sometimes our hope is sketchy [meaning: imperfect, incomplete, slight, or superficial (Dictionary.com)]. We may have hope, but we aren’t completely confident in that hope. That’s where I think I have found myself recently and at other times. That is where fear (or possibly some other distraction) holds us back from fully hoping, or believing. That is where our joy in that hope is likely lacking.
Let’s skip ahead just a bit and then come back…
The second part of the NIV version of this verse says, “patient in affliction.” I have heard the word, affliction (or afflicted), my whole life it seems. In years past especially, I have heard people often pray for the “sick and afflicted.” Just to be clear, let’s look at that definition (from the same app above)…
afflicted: adj.; greatly distressed or troubled by bodily or mental pain
It seems that in the current day, if we aren’t afflicted by something, we know someone who is.
I will fairly often let my mind go back to communication, and receiving news, prior to cell phones and social media. We are inundated with so much information that we can see afflictions all around the globe in a moment’s (or second’s) notice. Our mind is (or can be) continually filled with all kinds of negativity and affliction. This is one area where we must be on guard and careful about what, or how much, we let in to distract us, stealing our hope and joy.
Our own personal afflictions revolving around our family unit can, at times, be enough to cause us to question our hope, diminish our joy, and work on our patience. I thoroughly believe we are to help carry the burdens of others through prayer, encouragement, and extending a helping hand when needed; but I know, without a doubt, that we can indeed get bogged down by more than is ours to know—or carry. That is where we must remember these words that I have shared here on more than one occasion but is worth repeating…
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Philippians 4:8 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/php.4.8.NIV
As for our personal affliction…sometimes, we need others to help us carry our burdens…if nothing else, at least to the throne room in prayer. At times, they are extremely heavy. Sometimes, it is by our own doings, but we still need the Father’s help; and at other times it is sheerly and completely out of our control. We must rely on the Father either way, and seek him that we might be “patient in affliction.” It is not always easy, I know.
As I mentioned in recent articles we have been in the fire that had intensified to an unexpected degree…including with finding difficulty in which direction to escape the flames. Since then, there have still been some times of intensity, but although the fire isn’t out, the heat has been turned down a bit. Being patient hasn’t been a breeze since I want out the heat and out of the lion’s den, so to speak. I will say, however, that, although I felt kind of like Satan was pulling my by the hair of the head, yanking on my pony tail, wanting to drag me into a paralyzing fear that the situation would only get worse, I have realized the need to surrender my will to the Father’s; to trust His timing, to “keep on praying(!)” (See NLT version.), and finally that it is good to “be joyful in hope.”
Hope that is directly linked to faith.
Faith that the situation will be worked out for the benefit of all involved to a degree.
Joy that God sees me. He sees our needs. He wants me to trust Him, and that He will work this out, or He will give grace and strength for what lies ahead.
He reminded me to believe that my requests have been heard and considered, basically by reminding me to have joy in my hope of these prayers answered. All the while, leading me to make sure that as I RE-present my desires to Him, they are surrendered that they may align with His.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
He can bring peace in the storm. Calm when the waves (or the flames) have not ceased. Hope in the midst of the battle. Hope for better days. Good days in the midst of the difficult ones. He can help me realize that it can always be worse, even as bad as it may seem at times.
If you are coming from anyplace close to where I am…whether in the fire currently; or recognizing the blessing of living and breathing right where you are; whether you are in the lion’s den, just escaped, or living the high life; you know that we serve a God who is highly capable of meeting each and every need through Jesus who covers our sins with His blood and offers hope in a highly afflicted world.
Be joyful in that Hope. His name is Jesus.
May we always…
Celebrate hope.
Walk in joy.
This world needs to see it.
October 17, 2026 [present day / six weeks later]
I am so thankful that God led me to that scripture that day a few weeks back. Hope felt scarce, and maybe more than a little sketchy…but God knew exactly what I needed and has brought hope. Since then, I am seeing peace and strength renewed. In this storm, I saw and believed God was working…and in hindsight (or at least, partial hindsight)…I can see how amazingly He has orchestrated events that only He could have worked out.
The joy of the Lord is my strength!
“And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!””
Nehemiah 8:10 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/neh.8.10.NLT
