Romans 15v13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

When we trust our God His spirit, the spirit of Christ fills us bringing joy and peace. So much so that it will overflow to the people around us; not just in times of happiness but also in struggle.

5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

John 15v5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

Apart from Christ we can do nothing. His spirit is alive in us, growing us, creating a branch that bears fruit that bears evidence of His love, glorifying God and bringing the heavenly kingdom to earth.

8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

Romans 13v9 For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

Let love be the victor.

Romans 12v9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.

What life should look like.

1 Samuel 17v37 Moreover David said, “The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” (Goliath) And Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you!”

As a shepherd David had to fight off lions and other beast of the earth to save his flock. David understood that the Lord was with him delivering him from those battles, all to lead up to the moment where he would defeat Goliath. David possesses incredible faith throughout trials His whole life with no fear because He knows his God is with him. I want to think like David. When I come into a struggle granted it’s not going to be as severe as fighting a lion (but we never know) I want to rely on faith, fully seek God in the matter and understand He is strengthening me for my later Goliath whom I will conquer for His glory.

Psalm 37v39 But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in the time of trouble. 40 And the Lord shall help them and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked, And save them, because they trust in Him.

The Lord always delivers. - His people out of Egypt - His people out of battle - His people into the promise land - His people through faith out of pain - His people out of jail for teaching His gospel - All people from sin through His son Jesus Christ

Our God delivers through all circumstances rely on Him and seek His glory in your struggle and you will find freedom.