Hope That Does Not Disappoint
Evening Peace: A Quiet Time of Prayer and Reflection Before Sleep
Tonight’s Verse
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Romans 5:1-5
Reflection
Romans 5:1-5 assures us of the deep and abiding peace we have with God, grounded in the justification Christ provides. This peace is not fleeting but an enduring reality for those who trust in Jesus. Through his grace, we stand secure and can rejoice in the hope of God’s glory, knowing that our relationship with him is restored. This hope, rooted in God’s love and mercy, gives us strength beyond our own and allows us to find true rest.
This passage also speaks to the transforming work God accomplishes in our trials. Though suffering can feel overwhelming, God promises that it produces endurance, shaping our character and deepening our hope. The early church father St. Augustine once said, “Hope has two beautiful daughters: their names are Anger and Courage; anger at the way things are, and courage to see that they do not remain as they are.” With this hope, we’re empowered to face life’s difficulties, knowing they aren’t in vain but serve to draw us closer to God and make us more like Christ.
Finally, Paul reassures us that this hope does not disappoint because it is grounded in God’s faithful love, poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. As you prepare for rest, let this hope settle deeply within you, reminding you that God’s love is unshakable. The Spirit is with you, continually filling you with the assurance that God’s promises are sure. May this truth bring you peace and comfort as you release the day’s cares into his hands.
Prayer
Gracious Father, thank you for the gift of peace through Jesus Christ and for the unshakable hope that fills my heart through your Spirit. As I prepare for rest, help me to release every burden into your hands, trusting that you are working in all things. May your love, poured into my heart, give me courage, comfort, and peace. Hold me close through the night, and grant me the strength and hope I need for tomorrow. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
⚓ Our Anchor ⚓
This Evening Peace devotional, anchored in Romans 5:1-5, reminds us that our hope in God will never disappoint. Embrace this hope as you rest, trusting that God’s love fills and sustains you each and every day. Thanks be to God.