July 11, 2022 - Romans‬ ‭5:3-5

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” Romans 5:3-5 NLT

Lord, what a challenging, yet true verse. We want to be people who can rejoice no matter what season we are walking through. When life is easy and going well, we don’t want to forget you. In those seasons, let us take the time to thank you and rejoice. In the seasons, when it seems nothing is going right and nothing in us feels like rejoicing, help us rally our spirit to praise you. Lord, you are worthy of our praise no matter what life looks like around us and regardless of how we feel. Lord, guard our hearts. In those seasons when we just want to get angry and blame you, help us stand on your truth. Help us learn to rejoice for your truth is true regardless of how we feel or what life looks like. Your love for us doesn’t change. Your character doesn’t change. Your promises never fail. You are our safe tower and our refuge no matter what we face.

Holy Spirit, please remind us of what you are doing in our lives when we walk through the fire. Help us see and appreciate the refining process that is happening. You are making us more like you and strengthening us. You are developing our character. You are teaching us more about you and who you called us to be. We will come through the fire with a better knowledge of your love. So, teach us to rejoice in all things, even our toughest trials. For you are always with us and you are faithful. We praise you for all that you are doing to develop us into being the best person we can be to represent you here on earth.

In Jesus name, amen.