Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12
The direct Greek translation is … “in hope rejoicing, in tribulation being patient, in prayer being constant”. I find the direct translation helpful because it puts into perspective what happens first. Do you have hope? What has God given you as hope? Have you experienced a ‘meeting’ with Him that left you changed? Has He given you glimpses of what He has in store for you? Where in lies your hope? Is it only from your own wishes or is it from direct relationship with God? Do you automatically rejoice because of what He has placed within you? Can you revisit those times in your mind and soul and reflect on them and do they give you hope? Does that cause you to rejoice in your inner person? If you need hope — He is your Source. Ask God for an ‘encounter’ with the Word (Jesus – John 1:1). Real hope comes from God. You need to ask Him to give you HIS hope. Then REJOICE! For He is your Source and salvation!
Patience has often been seen as a ‘difficult’ word, and is something that is to be disliked. But.. patience is a Jesus characteristic. And if the Holy Spirit will be molding us into His likeness patience is something that will need to be worked into our lives … over and over. (Number 4 on the list of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit – Galatians 5:22-23) But this verse adds to patience .. something that actually is beyond human which is being patient WHILE in tribulation. Here the word ‘tribulation’ is the Greek word θλῖψις, εως, ἡ / thlipsis which means persecution, affliction, distress, and tribulation. It’s hard enough to have a refining time in our lives and experience very difficult circumstances and situations — but this is calling us to be ‘patient’ DURING them. Even further the scriptures talk about Jesus having a joy — which He then endured terrible suffering. (Hebrews 12:2) Yeah … that’s not our human experience, that is .. beyond. But yet we are ‘called’ to go there. (James 1:2) How can we have patience and joy IN tribulation, distress, and suffering? That only comes from and through the Holy Spirit. Our own strength is not enough, this is supernatural strength .. which HE gives us, through the Holy Spirit. Can we actually learn how to be joyful and patient in our most difficult times? That seems way beyond the ‘world’ and our natural abilities. But …through Him… all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26)
This leads us to the last statement in the above verse … be constant in prayer. This isn’t calling us to ritualistic formulaic recited prayers. This is calling us to an ‘awareness’ and open dialog with the Holy Spirit in our minds throughout our entire day. It is to be constantly listening for His Voice and instruction in our minds and soul. It is to be focused on Him like He was RIGHT next to you in the ‘yoke’ pulling right alongside you. Can you talk with Him like He is right there next to you? This is relationship with Him. Is He real in your daily life? Do you hear in your inner most parts / mind … His words to you? Are you even listening for them? He is talking to you, are you able to recognize His Voice? Real spiritual prayer is a two-way conversation with God. Do you listen to Him more than you controlling the what you are going to say or ask? Maybe we should all be more like Samuel and say “Speak Lord, for your servant hears.” (1 Samuel 3:9)