Romans 12:12 - “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” This trio of instructions are meant to give us powerful anchor points for our lives. “Be joyful in hope”: When we find hope in the character of God, in the care of God for our lives, in the plans of God for our future, and in the promises of God for our present, it brings joy to our hearts. When we truly think about it we find that we have much hope for which we can rejoice. “Patient in affliction”: when hard times come don’t give in, don’t give up, stay in the game. God is not absent. He is at work and He is with you. “Faithful in prayer”: don’t stop praying and don’t stop believing that God hears and answers prayer. It matters. Each of these instructions come to us through the Apostle Paul, not as mere suggestions or possible good ideas. They come to us as directives from God. He wants us to do these things. He knows the blessing they will be in our lives. For me, they have become a significant focus of prayer. They are simple and concise to pray, yet powerful and far-reaching in their ability to reframe my daily attitude, especially when I face things that are difficult and hard. And since God commands them, I know that they are His divine will for my life. As such, I’m encouraged that He will be active in answering my prayers for them. And it is the same for you. So, “Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.” (NLT)