Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12
It’s the three ideas together that make this genius.
It’s easy to be joyful when your hope is built on positive present circumstances. But being joyful when you’re hoping in the middle of suffering is another matter. And a matter that requires consistent (“faithful”) prayer. Not just a decision on Sunday when the music is playing. But a decision Monday morning… in the car… during the meeting… after the fight… before you open the front door… in that awkward moment… and as you lay down for bed.
“Faithful in prayer” is not about being uber-religious or super-spiritual. It’s about being desperate and still choosing joy and belief in the middle of your painful reality.
“Patient in affliction” does not mean to be a doormat. It means you believe better days are coming and,
“Joyful in hope” means you’re wearing that belief on your face.
We’re not fake or out of touch with reality. We feel pain. We just choose—over and over and imperfectly—to let the joy of the Lord be our strength. The shopping, stiff drinks, and sexual stuff doesn’t last.