"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12

The NKJV "The Open Bible," makes this statement about the Book of
Romans:
"Romans is more than a book of theology; it is also a book of practical exhortation. The good news of Jesus Christ is more than facts to be believed; it is also a life to be lived--a life of righteousness befitting the person 'justified freely by [God's] grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.'"

Our opening Scripture verse is part of the Apostle Paul's exhortation concerning the Believer's responsibilities to righteous living. It is an expression of a changed life. With this in mind let us see what Scripture has to tell of joyfulness and hope.

We can define joy as gladness of heart and hope as the expectation of future good. Therefore to be 'joyful in hope' is to look forward expecting good that gladdens the center of our whole being. How could this not be expressed in our countenance for all to see?

Of joy, Scripture describes it as--
Everlasting:
Isaiah 51:11 is part of the Lord's encouragement to Israel and it is ours as Believers (we often sing this verse in our Fellowship), "So the ransomed (redeemed) of the Lord shall return, And come to Zion with singing, With everlasting joy on their heads; They shall obtain joy and gladness, And sorrow and sighing shall flee away."

Great:
When Philip preached Jesus Christ in Samaria, they heeded what he said and the miracles he did with the result that they believed and were baptized, "And there was great joy in that city." Acts 8:8

Full:
In the introduction of 1 John (1:1-4), the Apostle is speaking of fellowship with God the Father and His Son Jesus that he is enjoying and desires that Believers also share the joy in that fellowship, "That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full." Vs. 3-4

Unspeakable (inexpressible),
1 Peter is a letter encouraging Believers who have been dispersed through the nations and who are struggling in the midst of persecution to conduct themselves courageously. Read verses 3-9. Speaking of Jesus Christ he says in verse 8, "Without having seen Him, you love Him; thought you do not [even] now see Him, you believe in Him and exult and thrill with inexpressible and glorious (triumphant, heavenly) joy." The Amplified Bible As for hope, it is described as--

Living:
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Chris from the dead." 1 Peter 1:3

Blessed:
"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and world lust, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ."
Titus 2:11-13

Better (than the Law):
"For the Law never made anything perfect--but instead a better hope is introduced through which we [now] come close to God." Hebrews 7:19

Sure and steadfast:
"This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek." Hebrews 6:19-20

One of the great virtues:
"And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:13

We are joyful in hope because joy is everlasting, great, full and inexpressible in a hope that is living, blessed, better than the Law, sure and steadfast, and a great virtue. Are we expressing this in a time when people are fearful and hurting? Does our conduct reflect a life that is joyous and full of hope? Does our manner of life express what St. Augustine meant with "Always preach the Gospel. If necessary use words." Let's pray that it is so with us.

Thank You Father for this blessed hope that we have in You in and through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen