We Can Rejoice

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)

Heavenly Father,

Help me to choose to rejoice always, even in the face of any problems and trials I may face.  Let me look beyond them to see the working of Your plan—a plan to help me to endure all things, as I grow in strength of character, in hope of Your salvation, and in knowledge of Your love for me.

Help me to endure every hardship I face with complete faith and trust in You—knowing that You use life’s difficulties, and even the enemy’s attacks against me, to strengthen my character.

Then use my strengthened character to build my confident hope that You will always be faithful to save me in, or through, or out of every situation or circumstance that I may face—even death itself.

Remind me that as long as my hope is in You alone, I will never be disappointed, and help me to truly embrace how much You dearly love me—as Your Holy Spirit fills my heart with Your love.

Help me to choose to rejoice always, even in the face of any problems and trials I may face.  Let me look beyond them to see the working of Your plan—a plan to help me to endure all things, as I grow in strength of character, in hope of Your salvation, and in knowledge of Your love for me.

In the name of Jesus, Amen.