As long as we live in this world we aspire for a better life.

We want a well-paying job, own a decent home, drive a reliable car and raise our children in a happy and peaceful home and community.

These are the basic things in life that most of us dream about.

Some of our dreams may appear difficult to attain in this corrupted world but nothing is impossible when we trust in the Almighty God.

However, there are some basic rules that we must follow to achieve a successful life.

These rules are summarized in Romans 12:12 which states that we need to be joyful in hope, patient in tribulation and to be faithful in prayer.

Let us take a closer look at these requirements.

1. Be joyful in hope

The English dictionary defines hope as looking forward with desire and reasonable confidence (Dictionary.com).

In Job’s despair he asked, “Where then is my hope? As for my hope, who can see it?” (Job 17: 15 NKJV)

Our hope should be in the Lord and not in another human being or material possessions even if our wealth increases (Psalms 31:24; 62:10).

When we have hope in the saving grace and the mercy of God He will strengthen us and deliver us from the traps of the evil one.

The eyes of the Lord will always be on those who fear Him and have hope in Him (Psalms 33:18).

Therefore, whenever you are feeling discouraged, encourage yourself in the Lord.

Speak to yourself and say, “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance.” (Psalm 42:5)

We are living in an era of deception similar to the days of Noah. So we need to have hope in the Word of God because His Word is truth (Psalms 119:74, 81).

Hence, we need to build ourselves in the Word of God so that we will have a firm foundation.

Then our hope will be like “an anchor that keeps your soul steadfast and sure while the billows role. Fasten to the Rock that cannot move. Grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love.” (Hymn – We Have an Anchor by Priscilla J. Owens).

This Rock is Jesus Christ.

When you have hope in God you will always dwell in His secret place where you will be sheltered from the onslaught of the enemy (Psalms 91; 119:114-116).

When you have hope in God and His Word you will live an abundant life.

As a result, you can be joyful with this hope in God and have joy in the presence of the Lord.

Furthermore, you will find joy and gratitude in the little things in life, which will lead to a successful life.

2. Be patient in tribulation

Patience is the ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay or provocation.” (Dictionary.com)

The Lord encourages us to patiently endure tribulation because when our faith is tested it will further strengthen our patience (James 1:2-8).

This simply means that trials will teach us patience so that we will become perfect and complete in Him without lack.

We also should exercise patience while we wait  for the coming of the Lord (James 5:7). In the latter days leading up to Christ return, we will be tested and tried.

While waiting, we should encourage each other and pray for each.

Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

(James 5:16 NKJV)

In Luke 21:10-19, Jesus describes some of the events that will occur in the latter days.

Jesus emphasizes that we will be hated by many people including families and friends when we accept Him as our Lord and Savior, “but not a hair of your head shall be lost. By your patience possess your souls.” (Luke 21:18-19).

If we do not give up during those turbulent times we will be rewarded (James 1:12).

In spite of all odds, Job patiently endured tribulations and he was rewarded double.

Jesus also patiently endured the cross and as a result was given a name above all names so that “at the name of Jesus every knee will bow in heaven, on earth and under the earth and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11 NKJV).

As we wait patiently for the promises of God to be fulfilled in our lives let us meditate on the scripture which will give us hope (Romans 15:4-5)

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

(James 1:2-4 NKJV)

3. Be faithful in prayer

The Word of God encourages us to pray without ceasing and give thanks in everything (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18).

Therefore, when you are feeling happy, pray.

When you are feeling sad and forsaken, pray.

When you are alone, pray.

When you are experiencing abundant blessings, pray.

When you are going through the fiery trials and you do not know how to pray just call on the name of the Lord and the Holy Spirit will make intercession for you with groanings that cannot be uttered (Romans 8:26).

Pray in the morning, noon, and evening.

Pray twenty-four hours and every day. Your prayers do not have to be long.

Your prayer can be a single word – “Jesus!”

Your prayer can be a single sentence – “Lord, have mercy on me!”

Your tears can be your prayers. The Lord who sees and knows the sincerity of your heart will answer your prayers.

We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God

(1 Thessalonians 1:2-4)

Additional References: 1 Thessalonians 5:8-10; Hebrews 10:23-39; Hebrews 11

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We pray that that you will teach us how to be joyful in hope, patience in afflictions and faithful in prayer.

Lord, as your Word states, “You will show me (us) the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalms 16:11)

We want to experience pleasure and fulfilment in your presence so help us in our weakness to be faithful in all things.

Lord, I pray that you will remove every negative and disorganize thoughts from our minds.

Enlighten us with your wisdom and knowledge so that we will be calm and clear in our thoughts. 

Instead of confusion, help us to rejoice and be satisfied.

Give us the strength that we will remain steadfast in our faith and we will not be tossed to and fro, and be led astray by every wind of doctrine and by the trick of the enemy but we will always learn to speak the truth in love and grow up in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Amen!

Instead of your shame, you shall have double honor, and instead of confusion, they shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess double; everlasting joy shall be theirs

(Isaiah 61:7 NKJV)