In Romans 15:13, the Apostle Paul encourages us with these timeless words: “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.”

For many of us, still reeling from the Great Recession, this Holiday season can be very difficult to find joy and peace in human terms – especially in the working world. Some of us have lost jobs, or fear for our jobs. Some of us have stable employment, but find ourselves overworked. Some of us are under-employed, bringing in some revenue but hardly fulfilling our vocational potential.

What’s the Bigger Picture?
On a spiritual level, we know that our hope in Christ should transcend this, and the Holy Spirit should provide in us the power to prevail. Sometimes, though, as part of fortifying our trust in God, we need to reflect on the “bigger picture” provision in our lives and in the world around us.

Consider these examples:

• Many of us have a job for which to be grateful, even if it is less than ideal.
• In a world filled with conflict and war, we can be thankful for those who defend our freedoms.
• Despite the political polarization around us, we are free to vote and voice opinions.

What about you? What aspects of the world around you can offer hope for provision and trust in God’s sovereign future for all of us?