Romans 12:12

Romans 12:12 rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing stedfastly in prayer;

'Rejoicing in hope' -'Hope in future blessedness should be. source of joy even in the midst of severe persecutions.' (Erdman p. 148) (Luke 6:23; Romans 5:2) 'Let hope keep you joyful' (NEB). 'let your hope be. joy to you' (Mof).

And yet, how many Christians end up bitter and frustrated with life? How many fear death and the future? How many constantly worry about their salvation? If. am supposed to 'rejoice in hope', then. must be able to know if. am truly right with God-now. When was the last time you saw. Christian rejoicing in their hope?

'patient in tribulation' -'Steadfast in time of trouble' (Gspd). This means that we stop complaining about our troubles.

'patient' -5278. hupomeno hoop-om-en'-o; from 5259 and 3306; to stay under (behind), i.e. remain; figuratively, to undergo, i.e. bear (trials), have fortitude, persevere: -abide, endure, (take) patient(-ly), suffer, tarry behind.

'We say: Holding on!, the Greek: remaining under! not trying to slip out from under, not trying to evade but, though pressed down by the heavy weight, remaining under it uncomplainingly, quietly, and bravely enduring it.' (Lenski p. 771)

'The spirit which will not flee but which faces the trial and presses up under it. It isn't mere resignation; it's. choice to remain under and use the trouble.' (McGuiggan p. 369)

'continuing steadfastly in prayer' -'Devoted to prayer' (NASV) (1 Thessalonians 5:17). 'Steadfastly maintain the habit of prayer' (Phi)

When we find ourselves going to God less frequently in prayer, it means that we are becoming too self-sufficient and independent. We have lost sight of the fact, that we will fail miserably without Him!