“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12

Why does joy accompany hope? Hope sees beyond the struggles of the present moment. Through trustful eyes of faith hope is assured of another reality to the one we currently experience. We may experience true sorrow or persistent pain now, but it will not always be that way. It may seem we are all alone in our suffering and that there is no way out, but true hope experiences the sustaining presence of God in the most difficult of times. Real joy is not the effervescent giddiness that brings a plastic smile to our face. Rather the very nature of real joy bears a contentment and peace that counters our present pain.

Sometimes we hope in earthly outcomes that align us and others with God. Always our hope is also filled with the reminder of our eternal outcome which is filled with joy greater than perhaps we can fully comprehend. The reality of the christian experience reminds us we are aliens and strangers in this land. We won’t be here forever. Our suffering and disappointments will not last forever. As we walk closer to God we see the world as Jesus sees it:
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

We need this reminder do we not? The troubles of this world sometimes seem so real and so permanent, they would lead us to hopelessness. But when we are one with the one who has overcome this world, we have real hope that brings joy and peace. Examine your anxious thoughts and fretful activities today. Turn them under the control of a real and lasting hope in a world that is already overcome and find the peace and joy that you were meant to find.